Tight muscles are a common source of musculoskeletal problems and discomfort. SportsInjuryClinic.com states that tight muscles are problematic because they do not allow sufficient blood to enter your muscles, which denies the nutrients and energy your muscle tissue needs to maintain optimal health. Your upper back and neck are common locations for tight muscles, as are the backs of your thighs. Some herbs may help relax your tight muscles, but you should only use herbs if you are under the care and guidance of a skilled health-care practitioner.
Tight Muscles
There are numerous possible causes of tight muscles. Dr. Warren Hammer, a chiropractic physician, states that a weak muscle is a tight muscle, and that over-stretching of your muscles is not the leading cause of muscle strain. However, some muscles may become tight due to overuse injuries in which your muscle fibers suffer micro-tears, improper stretching routines, scoliosis or abnormal spinal curvatures and poor posture. Chronic anxiety or stress may also cause your muscles to become tight.
Appropriate Herbs
In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant and nutrition researcher Phyllis A. Balch says that several herbs may be helpful in treating your tight, or cramping, muscles, including meadowsweet, valerian, skullcap and lobelia extract, which may be rubbed on your affected area to help relieve muscle spasms. Herbs that improve your circulation -- blessed thistle, cayenne, ginkgo and saffron -- may also be helpful in treating your tight muscles. Many herbs that have historically been used in treating tight muscles have not been subjected to rigorous scientific study.
A Useful Botanical
Meadowsweet may be a useful botanical remedy in treating your tight muscles. According to naturopathic physician and herbalist Sharol Tilgner, author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," meadowsweet is commonly used in treating muscle inflammation, which is a frequent cause of tight and tender muscles. Meadowsweet is well-known for its ability to treat a variety of musculoskeletal health complaints, including tight muscles, ligament sprains and tendinitis. Before using this herb to treat your tight muscles, discuss the health implications of herbs with your doctor.
Considerations
Herbal muscle relaxants should be treated with the same level of caution used when taking conventional muscle relaxants. A health-care practitioner trained in herbal medicine can counsel you on herbal muscle relaxants and their appropriate dosage as well as informing you about the possible health side effects associated with these substances. Herbal muscle relaxants may best be used in combination with the conventional treatment approaches recommended by your family physician.
References
- SportsInjuryClinic.com: Tight Muscles of the Upper Back and Neck
- DynamicChiropractic.com: Weak Muscle Equals Tight Muscle
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
