By David Blyweiss, MD

Whether it’s dull or screaming for attention, pain is the body’s signal that something’s wrong.

Maybe your pain is from a disease. Maybe it’s because you’re injured. If you’re lucky, the pain is just temporary and goes away once you’ve healed. But what happens when it doesn’t?

Chronic pain can make life miserable, especially when it affects your muscles or joints. If you have it, you’re all too aware of its impact on your daily life. This type of hurting can make you feel frustrated and depressed. It can also keep you from doing the things you love.

All too often, doctors can’t tell you what’s behind the pain. Even if they can pinpoint a location like joint arthritis, they probably don’t have an effective long-term solution to your misery. So it isn’t surprising that a lot of folks with chronic back or joint pain are under the mistaken impression that they simply have to live with it.

Well, nothing could be further from the truth.

Back pain is often linked to inadequate hydration. So, if you have back pain, be sure to drink plenty of water. And avoid sugary, refined foods. Plus, be sure to eat foods like fatty fish containing anti-inflammatory omega-3-rich fats.

Supplements can play an important role too. I recommend taking 400 mg of magnesium citrate for lower back and joint aches. It’s especially effective if you’re suffer from muscular pain.¹ Taking 400 to 800 mg of magnesium daily in divided doses can relax your muscles and ease pain after just a few weeks while also leaving you feeling more energetic.

But what if the pain is in your joints and not your muscles? I recommend trying these pain relieving options:

• Glucosamine sulfate. This old arthritis standby supports joint health while easing pain. Take 1,500 mg. per day.
• S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) reduces joint pain and inflammation.² Take 1,200 mg daily.
• Bromelain. Clinical trials show that the enzyme bromelain is just as effective as diclofenac for arthritis pain. It’s also good for tendonitis. Take 250-750 mg two or three times a day between meals.
• Celadrin. Used topically, this cetylated fatty acid relieves pain and improves joint performance, according to research at the University of Connecticut.³ Capsacin. Another topical pain reliever, capsacin depletes substance P—a neurochemical that transmits pain. Apply a 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over painful joints.

So, what about pain that doesn’t seem to have any rhyme or reason?

First, get a thorough physical to rule out any underlying causes, includng fibromyalgia. If there’s still no definitive culprit, opt for a natural remedy that provides overall relief. Sinceinflammation is involved in most pain, consider anti-inflammatory botanicals like boswellia, ginger, nettle and turmeric. White willow bark can also ease pain. It’s so effective I often refer to it as “nature’s aspirin.”

Simple lifestyle changes can help, too.

Try exercising on a regular basis to strengthen muscles that support bones and joints. Just don’t overdo it. To get started, you might want to work with a trainer or physical therapist familiar with injuries. In addition to regular stretches, try exercises that build core strength and enhance proper functioning of the neck, back and joints.

References:

1. Roffee C. Randomised, cross-over, placebo controlled trial of magnesium citrate in the treatment of chronic persistent leg cramps. Medical Science Monitor. 2002; 8:CR326-30.
2. Rutjes AW. S-Adenosylmethionine for osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. Cochrane Database System Review. 2009 Oct 7;(4):CD007321.
3. Kraemer WJ. Effects of treatment with a cetylated fatty acid topical cream on static postural stability and plantar pressure distribution in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2005;19:115-121