Chronic muscle pain can be one of the most frustrating and debilitating things to experience. Regardless of its intensity, nagging pain of any kind makes it difficult to be productive, spend time with others, and enjoy the everyday delights of life. One of the hardest parts of navigating chronic pain is that it often feels like you can’t pinpoint a source, and therefore don’t know how to treat it. We asked Dr. Matt Chalmers, founder of Chalmers Wellness, what his top recommendations are for reducing chronic muscle pain so you can feel your best.
First of all, what are some common causes of chronic muscle pain? “Overuse is the number one reason for chronic muscle pain. Even if you are just sitting still at a computer, your muscles still have to hold you in that position and that can create tension and soreness.” Chalmers says. You may think that overuse is only possible while completing strenuous activity, but that isn’t the case. Sitting hunched over at a computer typing or scrolling can put a lot of pressure on your back and wrists. Another unexpected cause is not drinking enough water. “One of the other major causes is dehydration. In the winter when the air gets dry, the water in your body will literally be absorbed into the air around you. We talk about drinking a lot of water during the hot summer months but it is equally important in winter.” With this being said, what are four tips for reducing muscle pain?
Drink More Water: You want your urine to look clear and make sure you do not have dry skin or chapped lips, as these are two of the biggest signs that you are dehydrated.
Get Moving: Make sure you move around during the day. A sit stand desk is great for people who work in an office, so that you can change positions throughout the day and avoid putting prolonged pressure on any of your muscles.
Stretch: It’s important to pay attention to body parts that feel stiff. If you have stiff muscles in your neck, move your head around. If the stiffness is in your lower back, spend some time bending over and touching your toes.
Take Vitamins: Magnesium and turmeric are good vitamins to start with, as both can help reduce muscle soreness. However, you should always check with your doctor before adding a supplement of any kind to your health regimen.
Try adding these things to your routine to reduce muscle soreness, especially if you work from home and find that sitting at a desk all day is causing discomfort. Staying hydrated and getting moving are two big tweaks you can make to your lifestyle to reduce muscle soreness and get back to feeling your best. If the discomfort persists even after trying these things, it may be time to consult with a professional about next steps that take into account your unique circumstances.
