To seek joint and muscle pain relief, you have to know first what causes it. In addition, while the most common causes of joint pain are arthritis and systemic lupus erythmatosis (SLE), there are other causes as well, usually tied to muscle injury. Moreover, remedies may vary depending on the cause.

If you are concerned about side effects from commercial pain relievers, there are such remedies as MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), glucosamine, chondroitin, and some food-sourced unsaponfiables. They may take days or even weeks to show tangible results, but several studies have shown them to relieve pain and inflammation and protect or repair connective tissue.

MSM in 3,000-mg dosage twice a day can prevent joint and connective tissue breakdown over two to eight weeks. Glucosamine stimulates glycosaminoglycan production that helps build or rebuild joint cartilage. Chondroitin, known as a mild blood-thinner, holds moisture and blocks enzymes known to break cartilage down by absorbing connective tissue fluid, and enhances the effects of both MSM and glucosamine.

Muscle pain does not always involve a single muscle, and some causes include overuse in exercise, athletic performance, or heavily physical labor. Other causes include viral infections such as influenza and connective tissue disorders such as lupus.

Rest and acetaminophen or ibuprofen are the most immediately available remedies for muscle and joint pain relief, though muscle aches from overuse or fibromyalgia can also be relieved with massage and with very low-keyed exercise after a long enough rest period.

Some ways to prevent muscle pain include proper stretching, warm-ups, and cooling’s-down for exercise; drinking enough fluid before, during, and after exercise; and, stretching at least once an hour, even if all you do is get up and walk around for a spell, if you work in a single position for a long period of time.

If joint or muscle pain lasts for three days or longer, you should consult your doctor.