Magnesium is an abundant mineral in the cells of your body and in your bones. It plays a significant role in muscle contraction and relaxation, as well as healthy nervous system and heart function. Having an appropriate amount of magnesium stored and circulating in your body may help prevent or alleviate muscle pain and cramps.
Calcium Regulation
Your muscles contract and release when the associated neurons stimulate the release and recapture of calcium ions from the muscle cell membranes. Magnesium is a critical player in the recapture of the calcium ions to relax a muscle. As magnesium contacts specific cell receptor sites, it unlocks the cell membrane and allows the calcium ions to flow into the cell, thus reducing the pain of muscle cramps.
Pain Medication
Some manufacturers of pain medication add magnesium to their products for its muscle relaxing properties. The most common form is magnesium salicylate, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. While these types of medications are available for over-the-counter use, the University of California warns that you should always consult your doctor before taking these medications for pain because they may cause allergic reactions, worsen an existing heart condition or result in stomach bleeding.
Magnesium Deficiency
Most adults maintain a healthy amount of magnesium in their diets without needing supplements. Diseases that lead to chronic vomiting or diarrhea may cause a magnesium deficiency, however. When you are low on magnesium, you may begin to experience painful muscle cramps as one side effect. Your doctor may recommend a magnesium supplement to cure your deficiency and the associated pain.
Drug Interactions
Magnesium can have unintended side effects with other types of medications you may receive for pain. The Linus Pauling Institute states you should avoid magnesium if you plan to go under anesthesia because magnesium can amplify the effects of some muscle-relaxing drugs. Magnesium can also inhibit the effects of chlorpromazine, a tranquilizer.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Magnesium; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; June 2009
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet--Magnesium
- Linus Pauling Institute; Magnesium; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; April 2003
- New York University Langone Medical Center: Muscle Pain and Spasm
- University of California San Diego: Magnesium Salicylate
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