There are many possible causes of muscle tightness, pain, and reduced range of motion, including:
- exercise, especially unfamiliar exercise
- a backache
- pregnancy
- fibromyalgia symptoms
People who wish to avoid synthetic drugs, such as ibuprofen, may find some natural muscle relaxers beneficial.
These include the following foods, supplements, and techniques:
1. Cherries
Cherries are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
A 2018 review found that cherries could reduce pain and muscle damage resulting from exercise.
However, some of the studies used strong cherry concentrate rather than whole fruits, which is important to bear in mind when evaluating the evidence.
Tart cherry juice is available for purchase online.
2. Blueberries
Blueberries are an excellent source of antioxidants and polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory effects.
A small study found that blueberry supplementation may improve exercise performance and decrease inflammatory markers.