One of the most significant benefits of using
magnesium oil is the relief of pain. Magnesium both works to block pain reception and also can act on the sources of pain. It thereby can positively affect the causes of pain, rather than merely relieving the symptoms of it. Such causes of pain may relate to inflammation, toxicity, cell wall rigidity, mineral deficiencies or imbalances, etc. Some specialists in chronic pain estimate, for example, that approximately 70% of cases in which individuals suffer from muscle pain, cramps, and/or fatigue that is associated with the symptoms as varied fibromyalgia, migraines, and constipation, are showing signs of magnesium deficiency. Indeed, Dr. Mildred Seelig, a pioneering magnesium researcher at the School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill has asserted that magnesium deficiency causes much needless suffering from pain, including the pain associated with fibromyalgia, muscle cramps, and migraine headaches (Transdermal Magnesium Therapy 279).
It is relevant to note that muscle, joint, and connective tissue pain can be exacerbated by higher intakes of calcium, and especially when large amounts of additional calcium are taken for the purpose of strengthening these tissues. An overabundance of calcium flushes magnesium out of cells, reducing its availability for reducing pain. In addition, this mineral imbalance can significantly compromise the effectiveness both of calcium and magnesium (i.e., because magnesium is needed for the proper uptake and assimilation of calcium) (see more below). If there already exists a state of magnesium depletion in the body (e.g., due to endemically low levels in the diet), then magnesium levels may drop to exceedingly low levels. In such extreme states of deficiency, magnesium simply is not available to block pain effectively, or to fulfill properly its many roles in the body.
Perhaps the primary reason that magnesium is highly effective for relieving pain is that it is a non-competitive antagonist of the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor site. The NDMA receptor plays a critical role in the bodily mechanisms relating to central sensitization in the spinal cord. This sensitization is involved in the establishment of chronic neuropathic pain. It is notable that a centrally positioned magnesium ion has the ability to block the NMDA receptor site. Dr. Sircus states that NMDA receptor activation and release of pro-pain substances including substance P, nerve growth factor, brain derived nerve factor, and nitric oxide are believed to “drive the process of central sensitization” in the spinal cord (Transdermal 281).Transdermally absorbed magnesium increases the magnesium concentration gradient between cell membranes and extracellular fluid, and thereby blocks the NMDA receptor. This is one of the mechanisms that allows
magnesium oil to bring immediate pain relief.
The corollary to the fact that a centrally positioned magnesium ion can block the NMDA receptor site is that reduced levels of magnesium inhibit the body’s capacity to block the NMDA receptor site. When the NMDA receptor site is not adequately blocked, one result can be higher levels of pain in the body. In addition, when low levels of magnesium result in reduced capacity to block the NMDA receptor site, central sensitization of the spinal cord is more likely to occur. Under such circumstances, wherein the NMDA receptor site is not blocked adequately, it is evident that low magnesium status not only can contribute to higher levels of acute or immediate pain, but can also lead to the establishment of chronic neuropathic pain. Abundant magnesium levels in the body provide for the relief of pain and for prevention (or mitigation) of chronic neuropathic pain by preventing central sensitization of the spinal cord. In this way, magnesium helps lessen and prevent acute and chronic pain. Transdermal magnesium therapy rapidly increases magnesium concentration between extracellular fluid and cell membranes, thereby enabling blockage of the NMDA receptor, and bringing relief from pain.
It is equally notable that magnesium not only can block pain at the receptor site, but it also can function to partly or completely act against the source of pain. As Dr. Sircus notes, these sources of pain may relate to inflammation, cell wall rigidity, lack of energy (ATP), or a lack of enzymes (i.e., magnesium is needed for enzyme function throughout the body). He finds magnesium chloride (i.e., magnesium oil) therefore to be an ideal solution for natural pain relief. The dual characteristics of magnesium in reducing symptoms of pain and acting against sources of pain means that transdermal magnesium therapy is a unique modality that heals the body while offering relief from suffering caused by acute or chronic pain.
Transdermal
magnesium oil therapy elevates the concentration gradient of magnesium between cell membranes and the extracellular fluid to levels necessary both to block pain reception and to affect positively calcium-magnesium ratios in cells. Dr. Sircus notes that only transdermal (or intravenous) magnesium administration can rapidly elevate magnesium levels in the body in quantities large enough to relieve pain. Given the safety and effectiveness of transdermal application of magnesium chloride, and the ability of individuals to administer magnesium transdermally at home, and in a cost effective way, Dr. Sircus hardly stands alone in his firm belief in the powers of magnesium chloride for pain relief and healing.
