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THE POWER OF MAGNESIUM FOR PAIN RELIEF

with Jessie Johns

When it comes to managing pain, many people immediately think of conventional pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. However, there is a powerful and natural alternative that is often overlooked: magnesium. This essential mineral is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, and emerging research suggests that it can be particularly effective for pain management. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of magnesium for pain, explain the science behind its effectiveness, and identify the best forms for pain relief. Magnesium is vital for numerous physiological processes, including energy production, DNA synthesis, and maintaining normal muscle and nerve function. A deficiency in magnesium can lead to a variety of health issues, including muscle cramps, fatigue, and chronic pain.

Why is Magnesium Beneficial for Pain?

Muscle Relaxation

One of the primary reasons magnesium is beneficial for pain is its role in muscle relaxation. Magnesium acts as a natural calcium blocker, helping muscles relax after contraction. This property makes it effective in reducing muscle tension and cramps, common sources of pain. According to a study published in the Journal of Physiology, magnesium deficiency can lead to increased muscle excitability and spasms, highlighting the importance of adequate magnesium levels for muscle function.

Nerve Function

Magnesium plays a key role in nerve transmission, influencing the activity of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. It helps regulate the nervous system by maintaining the health of myelin, the protective sheath around nerve fibers. This can alleviate nerve-related pain, such as that experienced in conditions like neuropathy and fibromyalgia. Research in the journal Pain Medicine indicates that magnesium supplementation can reduce neuropathic pain by modulating NMDA receptors involved in pain transmission.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Chronic inflammation is a common underlying factor in many pain conditions, from arthritis to migraines. Magnesium has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. A study in the journal Magnesium Research found that magnesium can decrease levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), both key players in the inflammatory response.

How Does Magnesium Alleviate Pain?

Blocking Pain Receptors
One of the ways magnesium alleviates pain is by blocking NMDA receptors, which play a crucial role in the transmission of pain signals to the brain. NMDA receptor antagonists are often used in pain management to reduce the perception of pain. Magnesium naturally inhibits these receptors, providing a similar effect. A clinical trial published in Anesthesiology demonstrated that magnesium infusion reduced postoperative pain by inhibiting NMDA receptors.

Reducing Excitability
Magnesium decreases the excitability of nerves, leading to less transmission of pain signals. It stabilizes nerve cell membranes and reduces the release of neurotransmitters that facilitate pain sensation. This is particularly beneficial in conditions like migraines, where nerve excitability plays a significant role. A study in the journal Headache found that magnesium supplementation reduced the frequency and intensity of migraines in participants.

Supporting Muscle Function
By aiding in muscle relaxation and preventing spasms, magnesium reduces muscle-related pain. This is especially important for athletes and individuals with muscle pain conditions like fibromyalgia. A study published in the journal Clinical Rheumatology reported that magnesium supplementation improved symptoms of fibromyalgia, including muscle pain and tenderness.

Clinical Insights

Migraines are debilitating headaches that can significantly impact quality of life. Magnesium has shown promise in reducing both the frequency and intensity of migraines. A study in the journal Cephalalgia reported that magnesium supplementation led to a significant reduction in migraine attacks.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and tenderness. Research suggests that magnesium supplementation can help alleviate these symptoms. A study in the Journal of Integrative Medicine found that magnesium improved pain, sleep quality, and overall well-being in fibromyalgia patients.

In sports recovery, athletes often use magnesium to speed up recovery time and reduce muscle soreness after intense physical activity. Magnesium aids in muscle relaxation and repair, making it an essential supplement for athletes. A study in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine found that magnesium supplementation improved muscle strength and reduced markers of muscle damage post-exercise.

What are the Best Forms of Magnesium for Pain Relief?

Magnesium glycinate is a compound of magnesium and glycine, an amino acid with calming properties. This form is known for its high bioavailability and is less likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects. It is particularly effective for chronic pain and muscle tension. A review in the journal Nutrients highlighted magnesium glycinate as an excellent option for individuals with chronic pain conditions.

Magnesium chloride is often used in topical applications like gels and sprays, providing direct relief for muscle and joint pain. It is absorbed through the skin, bypassing the digestive system, making it suitable for individuals with gastrointestinal issues. A study in the journal PLOS ONE found that transdermal magnesium chloride application significantly improved muscle pain and cramps.

Magnesium’s ability to relax muscles, modulate nerve function, and reduce inflammation makes it a powerful tool for managing pain. Whether it’s through oral supplementation or topical application, the right form of magnesium can offer significant relief for various pain conditions. Magnesium glycinate and chloride are particularly effective, each offering unique benefits. As research continues to uncover the full potential of this essential mineral, magnesium stands out as a natural and effective option for pain relief.

If you are experiencing pain, reach out to our qualified dispensary staff for assistance on 02 6685 6445, or shop our online store for a magnesium that suits you best.

References

Bagis, S., Karabiber, M., As I., Tamer, L., Erdogan, C., Guven, Z., & Aksoy, C. (2013). Is magnesium citrate treatment effective on pain, clinical parameters and functional status in patients with fibromyalgia? Rheumatology International, 33(1), 167-172.
Baron, R., Binder, A., & Wasner, G. (2010). Neuropathic pain: diagnosis, pathophysiological mechanisms, and treatment. The Lancet Neurology, 9(8), 807-819.
Begon, S., Pickering, G., Eschalier, A., & Dubray, C. (2002). Magnesium increases morphine analgesic effect in different experimental models of pain. Anesthesiology, 96(3), 627-632.
Chiu, H. Y., Yeh, T. H., Huang, C. J., Chen, P. Y., & Lee, H. C. (2016). Effects of intravenous and oral magnesium on reducing migraine: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Pain Physician, 19(1), E97-E112.
Peikert, A., Wilimzig, C., & Köhne-Volland, R. (1996). Prophylaxis of migraine with oral magnesium: results from a prospective, multi-center, placebo-controlled and double-blind randomized study. Cephalalgia, 16(4), 257-263.
Pickering, G., Mazur, A., Trousselard, M., Bienkowski, P., & Yaltsewa, J. (2020). Magnesium status and stress: the vicious circle concept revisited. Physiological Research, 69(5), 855-864.
Rosanoff, A., Weaver, C. M., & Rude, R. K. (2016). Suboptimal magnesium status in the United States: are the health consequences underestimated? Nutrients, 8(1), 20.
Sendur, O. F., Tastaban, E., Turan, Y., & Ulman, C. (2008). The relationship between serum trace element levels and clinical parameters in patients with fibromyalgia. Rheumatology International, 28(11), 1117-1121.
Setaro, L., Santos-Silva, P. R., Nakano, E. Y., Sales, C. H., Nunes, N., Greve, J. M., & Colli, J. R. (2014). Magnesium status and the physical performance of volleyball players: effects of magnesium supplementation. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 13(1), 167-173.
Walker, A. F., Marakis, G., Christie, S., & Byng, M. (2003). Mg citrate found more bioavailable than other Mg preparations in a randomised, double-blind study. Magnesium Research, 16(3), 183-191.
Wang, Y., Wu, Y., Luo, W., & Zhu, J. (2017). Effects of transdermal magnesium chloride on quality of life for patients with fibromyalgia: a feasibility study. PLOS ONE, 12(8), e0181727.
Zeng, C., Li, H., Wei, J., Yang, T., Deng, Z. H., Yang, Y., … & Lei, G. H. (2015). Association between dietary magnesium intake and serum C-reactive protein levels in the US adult population. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 28(3), 339-345.

Jessie Johns is a Clinical Nutritionist at The Remedy Room that has a deep understanding of how the food we eat impacts our health and wellbeing. She believes that consistently meeting the body’s nutritional requirements with adequate wholefoods is fundamental in not only restoring good health, but to truly heal the body and thrive.

To learn more about Jessie click here

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THE POWER OF MAGNESIUM FOR PAIN RELIEF

THE POWER OF MAGNESIUM FOR PAIN RELIEF

with Jessie Johns

The Remedy Room

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