Wano asked
Is there anything I can do to ease muscle tightness? Should I use ice or heat or is there a cream to use?
Answer
Tightness in the muscle is a common complaint for many and sometimes it can be difficult to find out exactly what the cause is. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available that do not involve prescription medications.
There is a lot of confusion on whether to apply heat or ice to the affected area. In general, icing is for injuries (a twisted ankle for example) and heat is used for muscles. Ice works best at the FIRST sign of any inflammation symptoms. The inflammation process is actually your body reacting naturally to some sort of trauma. Unfortunately, inflammation can be very painful and limit movement. Icing an area at the first signs of inflammatory can help the pain and alleviate some of the negative symptoms. Ice should generally not be used for muscle tightness as it could make it worse, cause spasming and excess tightness.
Heat on the other hand, should can be used for pre-existing injuries and for muscle tightness. Applying heat right after an injury can make the inflammation process worse and more painful. Applying heat for muscle tightness can be very relaxing and help alleviate that feeling of tightness and reduce muscle spams if you are having any.
In terms of topical products, there are many that you could try. The most common products you will find are Bengay, Icy Hot, Salonpas and Aspercreme products. There really are countless products out there but I usually recommend a cream that has the following:
- Camphor
- Menthol
- Methyl Salicylate
You will probably find the most benefit if you get a product with those ingredients. You should be able to easily find one in the first aid section of a store. There are any different products that contain those ingredients (such as BenGay Ultra) so just take a look at the boxes to find one.
Camphor is known as a counter irritant and creates that cooling/tingling feeling when applied. It helps take away from the perception of pain. Menthol depresses the nerves that sense pain. Salicylate products act as an analgesic/anti-inflammatory.
