Magnesium reduces pain
Magnesium reduces pain
What causes pain?
Pain may be related to inflammation, toxicity,
cell wall rigidity, lack of ATP cellular energy, mineral deficiencies / imbalances,
or lack of enzymes (Magnesium
is needed for enzyme function throughout body). Some experts estimate
~70% of cases involving muscle pain, cramps, and/or fatigue (with labels such as
fibromyalgia, migraine, CFS and constipation), are actually symptoms of
magnesium deficiency.
Dr. Mildred Seelig, a pioneering magnesium researcher
at the University of North Carolina, Transdermal Magnesium Therapy
Magnesium blocks pain reception
Transdermally/Intravenously absorbed
magnesium increases the
magnesium concentration gradient between cell
membranes and extracellular fluid, thereby blocking the NMDA receptor, and bringing
immediate pain relief. The
magnesium ion has the ability to block the
N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor site (preventing ion flow, which
relays pain signal at typical
neuronal resting potentials).
Mayer ML, Westbrook GL. Permeation and block of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor
channels by divalent cations in mouse cultured central neurones. J Physiol 1987;
394: 501-527 .
The NMDA receptor site has a critical role in mechanisms relating to
central sensitization in the spinal cord (involved in the establishment
of chronic neuropathic pain). NMDA receptor activation and release of pro-pain substances including substance
P, nerve growth factor, brain derived nerve factor, and
nitric oxide (NO) are believed to drive
the process of central sensitization in the spinal cord;
Conversely, reduced
magnesium levels can increase acute pain and
induce chronic neuropathic pain. Low
magnesium levels
not only inhibit the body's capacity to block the NMDA receptor site, contributing
to higher levels of acute or immediate pain, but in addition, low
magnesium levels
make central sensitization of the spinal cord more likely to occur, which can lead
to chronic neuropathic pain.
Magnesium acts on pain source / powerful anti-inflammatory
Magnesium
regenerates tissue by increasing circulation, brings down inflammation, relieves
muscle spasms/twitches
Transdermally/Intravenously
absorbed magnesium increases the
magnesium concentration gradient between cell
membranes and extracellular fluid to positively affect
calcium -magnesium
ratios in cells. Muscle, joint, and connective tissue pain
can be exacerbated by higher intakes of calcium,
which flushes magnesium out of cells, reducing
Mg's availability for reducing pain. (Paradoxically,
magnesium is needed for proper uptake and assimilation
of calcium).
Magnesium reduces cell wall rigidity
Consuming calcium in disproportionate
amounts compared to magnesium makes cell walls rigid. Without sufficient
magnesium calcium is not assimilated and is dumped into
tissues. Also, with a
magnesium deficiency, cells do
not have enough ATP energy energy to pump
calcium out of cells
Relieve pain with transdermal magnesium therapy
Only transdermal
or intravenous magnesium therapy works
fast enough to relieve pain
Transdermal magnesium chloride can be safely, easily
and cost-effectively administered at home for pain relief and healing.
Dr. Marc Sircus, author of "Transdermal Magnesium Therapy",
notes that ONLY transdermal or intravenous
magnesium administration
(as opposed to oral magnesium
supplementation) can rapidly elevate
magnesium levels in the body in quantities
large enough to relieve pain.
Transdermal Magnesium Chloride
Alternatively, soak in an Epsom salt bath if you do not
have magnesium chloride on hand (although not as effective as using magnesium
chloride). A twice weekly soak in about a ¼ cup of Epsom
salts (magnesium sulfate) bath counteracts a
magnesium deficiency. This is a long-standing
remedy for joint problems or arthritis. This therapy also supplies sulfur, which
also provides benefit for achy joints and is often depleted in the body.
Sulfur
