Why Do Muscles Get Sore?
Everyone who has stepped into a gym, hit a running trail or engaged in strenuous physical activities have experienced it – that characteristic stiffness and pain in muscles, often peaking a day or two after the exercise. This phenomenon, known as muscle soreness, is a common experience but what causes it?
Muscle soreness is often a sign that you’ve used your muscles in ways they aren’t accustomed to. This can be the result of a new or more intensive workout routine, or engaging in physical activities you haven’t done in a while. The discomfort is officially known as delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS, and it’s thought to result from microtears in the muscle fibers during exercise, particularly resistance and eccentric exercises like weightlifting or downhill running.
The novelty or intensity of the exercise causes more extensive physical damage to the muscle fibers, which triggers an inflammatory response as the body gets to work repairing the microscopic injuries. Immune system cells rush to the scene, causing the muscle to become inflamed. This inflammation can lead to discomfort and temporarily hinder the muscle’s ability to produce force, hence the characteristic weakness and stiffness associated with DOMS.
So, how do we find relief from muscle soreness? The use of analgesics or anti-inflammatory medication may be able to reduce the pain, but they don’t assist in the actual recovery process, and in some cases, may even inhibit it. A practical solution is to practice active recovery; involving low-intensity exercises that promote blood flow to the muscles, aiding in the healing process.
Proper hydration and nutrition also play a crucial role in muscle recovery. Good hydration ensures optimal bodily function, including processes involved in muscle repair and growth. Nutrition-wise, consuming protein after a workout aids muscle repair and growth, while carbohydrates can replace muscle glycogen stores to keep fatigue at bay.
Another beneficial approach is to use the best back muscle pain relief cream. Such a cream provides topical pain relief which works by reducing inflammation and pain in the area where it’s applied. Consider choosing a back muscle pain relief cream that contains ingredients like menthol and capsaicin, which have been shown to be effective for relieving muscle and joint pain.
Warm baths or massages can also help relieve muscle soreness. They promote blood flow to the affected region, which in turn hastens the repair process. Using a foam roller to apply self-massage (myofascial release) can also help to relieve muscle tension and speed up the recovery process.
Remember, experiencing muscle soreness after a new or intense workout is normal and a sign that your body is getting stronger. While the pain can be uncomfortable, try to welcome it as a sign of improvement. With proper rest, recovery techniques, and the use of the best back muscle pain relief cream, that soreness will lead to greater strength and fitness in the future.
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