Magnesium as a dietary supplement has been commonly used and studied for possible benefit to both acute and chronic pain, migraine, muscle cramps, and overall well-being.
Although magnesium has no direct antinociceptive effects, it inhibits calcium ions from entering cells by blocking NMDA receptors, resulting in an analgesic effect. This analgesic effect is related to the prevention of central sensitization caused by peripheral tissue injury [3].
Magnesium may reduce inflammation, improve muscle function, and lower stroke risk. 3 The nutrient has been shown to help people with certain health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and migraines. People with arthritis may also benefit from magnesium.
In addition, magnesium therapy has been shown to be effective in alleviating dysmenorrhea, headaches, and acute migraine attacks.
³ Several dietary supplements are utilized to help reduce pain, which are outlined in a previous Practical Pain Management article. Magnesium as a dietary supplement has been commonly used and studied for possible benefit to both acute and chronic pain, migraine, muscle cramps, and overall well-being.
Pain isn't always curable.
Sadly, some people with chronic pain may never be pain free again. To try to relieve my pain, I've bounced between all types of health care providers: primary care physicians, pain specialists, rheumatologists, neurologists, audiologists, physical therapists, surgeons, and psychiatrists.
It may have started from an illness or injury, from which you may have long since recovered from, but pain remained. Or there may be an ongoing cause of pain, such as arthritis or cancer. Many people suffer chronic pain in the absence of any past injury or evidence of illness.
Magnesium deficiency is diagnosed via a blood test and sometimes a urine test. Your doctor may order the blood test if you have symptoms such as weakness, irritability, abnormal heart rhythm, nausea and/or diarrhoea, or if you have abnormal calcium or potassium levels.
Magnesium glycinate is especially for people with nerve pain or nerve degenerative diseases like diabetes mellitus and multiple sclerosis.
For best absorption, choose magnesium orotate, oxide or citrate. Too much: Tolerable upper limit (UL) = 350 mg.
Magnesium plays two important roles in the brain, which may contribute to these symptoms: It blocks the activity of more stimulating neurotransmitters and binds to calming receptors, resulting in a more peaceful, resting state.
Generally speaking, you will find that magnesium supplements start to work after one week of using them. After one week of regular magnesium supplementation, individuals may experience benefits such as improved energy levels, reduced muscle cramps, better sleep quality, and reduced anxiety.
One week of magnesium supplementation lowers IL-6, muscle soreness and increases post-exercise blood glucose in response to downhill running.
Body aches can result from tiredness or exercise and commonly occur with infections such as the flu. But, they can also be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as fibromylagia, arthritis, or lupus.
Pain and Emotions
Pain is inextricably linked to emotions. In fact, physical pain and emotional pain exist on almost the same circuitry of the nervous system, with common brain systems involved. For this reason, it's not surprising that the presence of chronic pain is often associated with emotional changes.
But when it comes to claiming on insurance benefits held within your superannuation, often known as total and permanent disability (TPD), chronic pain can also be considered as a disability, particularly if it prevents you from returning back to work.
The concept of living well while living with chronic pain can sound impossible, but you can thrive despite chronic pain. Living well with your chronic pain isn't just about managing your pain, but rather about finding ways to live a happy, fulfilled life in spite of your symptoms.
Total life expectancy varies only slightly by baseline pain states but pain-free life expectancy varies greatly. For example, an 85-year-old female pain-free at baseline expects 7.04 more years, 5.28 being pain-free. An 85-year-old female with severe pain at baseline expects 6.42 years with only 2.66 pain-free.
Common Symptoms of Chronic Pain
Its symptoms can extend into other areas of life and can affect sleep patterns, weaken the immune system, lead to depression, and increase stress.
Magnesium ion can promote peripheral nerve repair by inhibiting inflammation.
Magnesium for Nerve Pain:
A few small studies have shown benefit (Journal of Family Practice, Aug. 2015). An animal model suggests that magnesium supplementation may reduce pain from diabetic neuropathy and restore sensation (Journal of Physiology, Nov. 1, 2010).
Magnesium for sleep
Some studies have found that magnesium supplements can: Make it easier to fall asleep. Improve sleep quality. Reduce symptoms of restless legs syndrome, which can interfere with a good night's sleep.