General muscle pain and soreness is caused by tearing of the fibers in the muscle, which can lead to inflammation and increased lactic acids in the muscles. The fiber tears are a natural part of the muscle building process, and many people just starting to exercise or increase their workout routine will experience some discomfort due to muscle building. Overexertion or overuse of muscles and muscle groups can cause muscle strains, which are considered injuries and they are not part of the natural muscle building process. Stress can also be a major culprit in tense and sore muscles. Effective stress and time management and massages can help prevent and manage chronic muscle pain that is not a result of physical activity.

Effective muscle pain remedies include a heating pad or a hot shower or ice applied directly to the soreness (particularly if there is swelling). Physical heat therapy or thermotherapy is commonly used in the treatment for the relief of muscle pain and stiffness. There are many disposable self-adhesive thermotherapy pads available over the counter. The heat from the pads increases the blood flow by dilating the blood vessels, which leads to an improved supply with vital oxygen and nutrients. As a result, tight and cramped muscles are relaxed because the toxins and lactic acids are released from the fibers in the muscle. Many heating pads contain natural ingredients like iron powder, salt and charcoal. When the pouch is opened, the iron reacts with the oxygen in the air and energy and warmth is released for up to eight hours.

Medicated pads containing menthol and methyl salicylate, often under the brand name Icy Hot can provide extended relief for people who have found heat therapy to be ineffective. Please note that methyl salicylate is the active analgesic ingredient of some varieties of IcyHot and Bengay, and it can be toxic if the cream is used in excess. While very rare, death can result from methyl salicylate overdose so please follow the instructions on the package carefully.

Many athletes use the RICE method. (rest, ice, compression and elevation). Rest sore muscles for 48 hours and wrap some ice cubes in a cloth and firmly apply it to the affected area for 20 minutes periods. Non-prescription drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and aspirin could be used for pain relief, and for muscle injuries, stronger prescription medications are available including Carisoprodol, Cyclobenzaprine, Soma and Skelaxin. MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane) is a common supplement used around the world for pain relief. Inflammation is a build up of toxins inside the joints, muscles and body fluids. MSM makes the walls of individual cells more permeable which makes it much easier for the cells to eject toxins and absorb nutrients. Prevention is an crucial part to managing muscle pain. Please remember to stretch before and after all workouts and maintain an exercise routine with at least a half hour of activity a few times a week.