De-stress and Loosen Your Muscles

Whether you are aware of your stress level at any given time, it can greatly affect your personal health. Your mood, your comfort level, how well you're able to interact with others – it's all affected by the amount of stress (or lack thereof) you're dealing with. 

Why Stress Matters

When you aren't able to relax, when your mind is racing and constantly worried about something, your body follows suit. Your shoulders clench in, muscles become tense, you're tight and ready to twinge a body part any time you move too quickly. Being stressed comes with the inability to relax – that's part of the definition. When your mind isn't able to calm itself, neither is anything else; you will carry that tension for as long as you're worked up. 

However, relaxing is an important part of creating rest. Even if you're unable to sleep, you can do the body plenty of good by sitting and letting your muscles breathe. A small catnap or "resting your eyes" can provide similar results. It's a short amount of time where the body lays still, isn't exerting energy, and can catch up on its necessary functions. 

When this can't be done all on your own, it's a good idea to locate the source of your stress and do your best to eliminate it. Problem solve or move the most stressful of daily tasks off of your plate (as realistically as possible). Then look toward relaxation techniques like soothing scents, massage, exercise, or talk to a loved one about what has you so worked up all the time. Hopefully, by approaching your stress from various areas you can work to eliminate as much of it as possible. And, in the process, allow your body some much needed muscle relaxation and some hard-earned rest.  

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Sudden Pains and What Their Warning Signs Might Mean

Obviously it’s a concern when the body suddenly starts showing signs of pain. In any capacity. The more severe the pain, the more concerned you should be, and so on. They become even more evident with recurring bouts, or when aches get sharper or last for longer periods of time.

When these take place, however, what do you do? Take medication(s) to make them go away? Ignore them? Or do you look to the root of the cause in order to see why they’re taking place to begin with? By looking at the cause, rather than the symptom, you might be made aware of an even deeper issue. Such as a hurt muscle or injury that’s finally making its way to the surface. 

The Underlying Cause of Pains

The pain might be nothing – warning of an upcoming weather change. Maybe a communication that the day’s nutrition count hasn’t been met. Or it might be your body letting you know a muscle had just been worked harder than normal. 

It also might mean you’re sick – whether slightly or seriously. It might mean the body is telling you something is wrong, a muscle has been tweaked to the point of injury, or any number of outside injuries. 

Considering the implications that could be taking place, it’s best to check with an expert instead.

One being your doctor, who will have a working knowledge of the muscle system and each of its triggers. Another, though, is you. No one knows your body better than you. Which means, when it “acts up,” you know what’s new and what’s a daily norm. Allowing you to better explain pain to your doctor as it’s happening, or even before it happens, once you’re aware of pre-ache signs. 

Check back for more muscle-pain articles, as well as tips on what your next steps should be. 

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Briny Fluids Help Combat Muscle Pains

Bodies were meant for movement. They were meant to exercise, to bend, and to expel energy in healthy, yet enjoyable forms of mobility. But even though muscles were meant to move, doesn’t mean they don’t hurt or become sore after doing so. Especially after strenuous workouts, or for those who are more genetically inclined for spasms. But by taking precautions, such as drinking briny fluids, muscle cramps of all kinds can be combatted. 

Recent studies have shown pickle juice, which has been consumed for years to reduce pains, especially for athletes, is not the only vinegar-based cure. Scientists are now saying virtually any briny liquid can also do the trick, including flavored vinegars, salted substances, and more. Leaving you the choice to pick your favorite flavor while still receiving the same results. However, you should also talk with your doctor before choosing a long-term favorite, especially those that are mixed at home. 

The Study

After performing a college-based experiment at Brigham Young University, in which athletes worked out and were then given pickle juice, results showed that the liquid was salty enough to help replenish muscles. (While the initial cramping is caused by salt and hydration levels being secreted into sweat.) The brine “trick,” though, has been used by athletic trainers for decades. 

In the study, athletes were forced into cramping situations through computers and/or minor shocks, then fed the pickle juice to see if, and how quickly, the brine would reduce their symptoms. Athletes who drank pickle juice experienced timely relief, while those who stuck to water still complained of pains. 

With the results in tow, however, there is now actual scientific proof behind the long-running theory. Proving that athletes should ingest pickle juice – or other briny substances, including sports drinks (for those who dislike the taste of pickles) – in order to prevent or eliminate cramping. 

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What Can a Massage Do For your Health?

Oftentimes, when people thing of massages, they think of something that is extravagant or unnecessary. That it’s simply a pampering day at the spa and a prime way to spend time off work. And while that can sometimes be true, that’s not to say there are only superficial benefits to getting a massage. From health perks to gaining some much needed relaxation, it’s a practice that’s actually healthier than you might think. 

Just taking the time to lie down and rest your muscles is step one. This time allows the body to relax and redistribute weight to areas of the body that aren’t normally under pressure. (While the ones that are can get a break.) Those with back pain can also take this time to find a position that best treats their aches. For instance, with a zero gravity table, or one that dips the legs or shoulders for maximum weightless-ness.

Massage Health Benefits

Adding a massage, however, brings on an even bigger bout of rest and relaxation. During the process, your muscles will be contracted and turned into a properly recuperating machine. Toxins will be gently removed from the body, while circulation will be increased. Both from the toxin removal, and from the various pressure points that are massaged during the process.

After a massage, it’s a good idea to drink plenty of water. That way the body can fully flush out excess chemicals, while providing for plenty of hydration for healing muscles. However, you should always talk with your masseuse about proper post-massage rituals. (Your doctor will also be a good source of guidance, especially for those suffering from long-term pains.) 

Whether looking to relax or for a way to help your muscles heal, a massage can be a great way to tackle them both. Talk to your local masseuse today about getting started.

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4 Foods to Reduce Muscle Soreness

Because the body is a complication of functions, there are several pieces holding us together. From every angle. From the bones that support our weight, to the organs that help us breathe and pump blood, to the muscles allowing us to move, there are hundreds of parts all working as a team. Which means that, when pain or soreness occurs, the nerves aren’t always to blame. And oftentimes, it’s the very muscles they help support instead.

Whether you’re coming in from a long run or lifted that dining room chair wrong, remember these super foods to help build and repair muscles.

4. Carbs

After a workout or strenuous use of the muscles, remember to load up on carbohydrates. While it’s important for the active to consume before working out, stocking up during rebuilding sessions is just as important. And if bread just isn’t your thing, consider pasta or carb-heavy alternatives instead.

3. Antioxidants 

Nothing quite clears out the muscles like antioxidants. Be sure to get in a good helping to keep your body clear of toxins that can cause pain. Look to natural juices (cheery is a number one antioxidant blaster), ginger, or turmeric.

2. Small, Frequent Meals 

Rather than over-stuffing, which can prevent digestion and future movement, consider small meals throughout the day. By pacing the body, you can allow it to better heal itself without focusing too heavily on food processing. Healthy options are best here as well, such as fruit, protein bars, and greens.

Keep bars on hand as well for healthy snacking while on the go.

1. Protein Drinks

If working out, a protein drink can help start the recovery process almost immediately. Which is also a great choice for when you don’t feel like eating (post-runs or work out sessions). If sore from lifting, however, these drinks are simply a quicker way to replenish the body with the nutrients it needs.

Consider a liquid breakfast (generally the easiest meal to “skip”) or snack as soon as your muscles start showing signs of soreness.

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What Can Stretching Do for the Body?

One of the most common cures – no matter the ailment – is stretching the muscles. Whether you’re experiencing soreness, the need to limber up, or are just looking for a quick way to get the blood pumping, this is a proven go-to move among all ages.

But what is it about stretching that provides such instant results? It’s constant versatility. With the ability to increase blood and oxygen flow while slowly toning muscles, this move can practically be seen as a cure-all step. It strengthens the muscles (which improves posture), naturally works to correct pressure displacement, and increases nutrient supply, a step that keeps you from becoming sore after workouts or uncommon movements. Regular stretching can even prevent injuries, whether caused by nerves or muscle strains.

Still skeptical about stretching?

It’s not just the body it’s good for, but the mind. Stretching, even for a short amount of time, has been proven to relieve tension and increase relaxation. Use it before a work out to get the most mentally (and physically) out of your daily routine, or simply use stretching on its own for a quick pick-me-up. Which is especially helpful during long periods of work or after a stressful day.

You can maximize stretching sessions by focusing most on the muscles that are sore, or by spending more time on different sections of the body each time you stretch. For example, start with the legs for 10-15 minutes, while paying close attention to any areas in pain, like the hamstrings or calves. Then, tomorrow look to the arms, abs, or back – and continue to rotate for a well-rounded stretching routine. With these ongoing movements you can easily increase blood flow and flexibility, while gaining some mental serenity in the process.

The next time you’re headed to a work out – or just need a few minutes to relax – consider stretching to get the most out of each movement.

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A Stiff Neck Can Actually be a Sign of Food Poisoning

When we hear the term “food poisoning,” most think of an unpleasant scene. One where nights are spent on the bathroom floor and food can’t be kept down until the spell has passed. A stint of nausea, pain, and the feeling of never wanting to eat again. (At least for the time being.) But contrary to popular believe, suffering from food poisoning can mean a whole new list of symptoms. Such as a stiff neck or sore muscles throughout the body. A recent announcement associated with cheeses in the New England area has been linked to listeria – a form of bacteria – telling shoppers to beware or purchasing or eating these items. Officials have warned folks to stay away from certain brands, and to look out for signs of bacteria exposure.

Specifically, a stiff neck – recurring suddenly or for multiple days on end – can mean you’ve been exposed to something other than dairy. And if left untreated, listeria exposure can lead to an infection and further health concerns. Other symptoms include nausea, a sense of confusion, loss of balance, and fever.

Other muscle aches can also be a point of concern. If you’re experiencing aches and pains that are out of the ordinary (and haven’t worked out or strained muscles recently, etc.), it may be time to talk to your doctor about potential food exposures. Be sure to look at local warnings and headlines that may explain just what bacteria(s) you may have been exposed to. Then, take note of symptoms, especially when they began to take place in relation to your intake of contaminated foods.

Oftentimes a stiff neck is only a sign of sleeping wrong or turning one’s head to quickly. However, it can also mean the onset of something far more serious. To ensure your aches are nothing more than sore muscles, talk to your doctor today.

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4 Ways Stress Increases Muscle Pains

Having a stressful day is never fun – on any level – but according to some new research, it could also come with pain. Adding to any chances in mood, personality, or looming deadlines, stress can be literally painful. This is perhaps most seen in the muscles, especially in areas with ongoing injuries or recurring aches. However, each person can also experience these pains in a different format.

From tension to endorphins, here are the top five ways in which stress can trigger muscle pains.

4. Stress affects posture

Dealing with stressful situations can cause you to hunch over or perform jerky movements. This means the spine isn’t able to relax, interrupting circulation and everyday tension relief.

3. Emotions block vital energy

When in proper working order, the blood and other fluids flow freely throughout the body, increasing circulation and pain-relief efficiency. However, when stressed, emotions as a block, stopping important fluids from making their way.

2. Adrenaline is on short supply

It’s natural for adrenaline glands to produce endorphins that increase moods and decrease pains. But when stress happens, these glands are blocked, greatly reducing the amount of good-feeling substances available. This means ongoing stress has a direct affect on back or other recurring pains.

1. The body (and mind) can’t relax

Stress means you aren’t able to completely relax – this causes both the body and mind to be on edge. Without this much-needed relaxing time, muscles are tense, and don’t get the ability to rest and rejuvenate.

When it comes to stress, there are several triggers that can cause additional body pain. While some can manifest within the specific body parts (such as the back), other aches simply take place wherever the body is most vulnerable. To help avoid these stress-induced pains, look for less stressful situations – and the ability to fully relax – as an everyday rule.

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Sore Muscles? Try Trigger Point Therapy

When suffering from a sore muscle, there are few tasks worth performing. Even those that are necessary. Depending on where the affected area may be, it can be painful to twist, turn, move one’s head, or make even the slightest movement. When rare or taking place after a specific injury, this becomes much easier to swallow. But when waking up with ongoing pains, everyday tasks are difficult, if not downright impossible, to complete.

One of the easiest ways to find some relief comes from exercise treatment or specialized therapies, which actually work to heal each area rather than mask its symptoms. By working on an area from the inside out, the suffering can not only be reduced, but leave an area healthier in the process. One such form of therapy does just that. By placing specific pressure on a “trigger point” – a muscle that causes pain – the area can relax and heal.

Generally, the therapy is performed by a trained masseur and takes place over several appointments. The masseur presses (firmly, depending on the level of pain) on the injured area, and then removes all weight, acting as a pressure and release routine. Over time, the muscle is able to relax, loosen (allowing the patient to feel less pain), and reconstruct itself.

Trigger point therapy also works with timed breathing cycles and various pain assessments to determine exactly which area of the body is the “trigger”. Though it’s considered less relaxing than a traditional massage – as the receiver actively participates through responses – this therapy is meant to heal rather than to pamper. Patients regularly report positive results, and some said they also received alternate massage treatments to help relax the rest of the body. [TPTherapy]

And with any type of massage, heavy hydration before and after is recommended. By consuming plenty of water, the body can flush out any unnecessary toxins, which help to advance the affects of the treatment.

Talk to your masseur or local parlor/salon to find out more.

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Easiest Back Pain Relief Device?

Contour Living has just added a new product billed as "The World's Easiest Back pain Relief Device!"

It definitely has a unique design - employing a concave shape and relying on the body weight of the patient and gravity to naturally align the spine.   User instructions advise using 2-3 times a day, for 10-20 minutes each duration for maximum results.   User can passively lay on device (activities include reading,  resting even watching TV) or you can strengthen your body with exercise.   A Free DVD with exercises is included.

The product is called the Wondertrack, available for $59.99 at ContourLiving.com.  It is a FDA registered device and was developed by an Orthopedic Doctor.  It is very easy to use - simply lie down on it, reap the benefits!

Product instructions:

Use on a hard surface for best results.  Wear a shirt or place a towel on the WonderTrack prior to use.  Not recommended for direct skin contact.  Lie down for back relief only, or have the option of exercising to improve strength.

WonderTrack is very easy to use - Simply lie on back and naturally straighten spine.

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