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