MSM for Chronic Pain Relief

​I’ve had quite a few people ask what I’m using for ​to reduce chronic pain. One of my favourite things since falling ill is MSM supplements. It is my one staple since I first heard about it and it’s potential to help the body heal from all sorts of things.

It is even ​referred to as the “miracle supplement” and also the “beauty mineral” because it is so beneficial in so many areas. One of the reasons for this is that MSM makes our cell walls more permeable, meaning that toxins can be more easily removed and nutrients can more easily be absorbed.

​Why ​Does MSM ​Relieve Chronic Pain?

MSM, or Methylsulfonylmethane, is a vital element to every cell in the body and that is why this supplement has the potential to do much good.

Think about it: if we’re removing toxins and absorbing nutrients more efficiently from every cell in our bodies, then all sorts of things can potentially improve. It’s affecting every cell, so it can potentially affect many issues we might not expect to experience improvements in.

MSM doesn’t only make cells more permeable, but it is a powerful anti-inflammatory, and it also promotes collagen and keratin production. This means it can potentially produce improvements in joint, skin, hair and nail conditions as well as reducing pain caused by inflammation.

Because of the permeability of cell walls while using MSM, we can experience many unexpected benefits. Things like increased energy thanks to better absorption of vitamins and minerals, and a decrease in pain not only because of the anti-inflammatory properties, but also because the cells are able to more easily eliminate toxins and waste products like lactic acid.

Methylsulfonylmethane also dissolves calcium phosphate which is one of the main causes of degenerative diseases. It promotes healing, helping the body produce it’s own antioxidants.

I’ve heard people saying it’s helped them improve their memory, their skin, their sight, their nails, their arthritis, and for me it has definitely improved my energy and pain levels. It is the one supplement I do not go without. Ever.

How ​Do I Use MSM For Pain Relief?

I initially started taking 1 tablet (1000mg each) a day for one week, then 2 a day for a week, then 3 a day for a week, then finally 4 a day, but by the third week my pain was already dramatically reduced.

Once on 4 a day I came off my prescription pain medication. I had been on Amitriptyline and Naproxen daily for months and it only took the edge off the pain. The MSM reduced my pain more, although I still had pain daily, it was very mild and bearable.

MSM can keep me awake at night if I take it later in the evening, so I don’t usually take it later than 4pm.

I would take 2 tablets in the morning (with or without food) and another 2 around lunch time.

You can also buy it in powdered form which is better for those who suffer from allergies or sensitivities to fillers used in tablets.

I have recently switched to the powdered form which I take in a glass of water ​with electrolytes. It’s a very salty drink which masks the bitter flavour of the MSM quite well. The taste only becomes an issue for me if I double the dose, a single scoop is quite unnoticeable.

I buy my MSM powder from Bulk Powders, or if you prefer the tablets, I used to get mine from Lindens.

Further Reduction In Pain Through Diet

Although MSM absolutely plays a huge role in keeping my pain levels low and my energy levels are definitely higher while taking the supplement, my pain drastically reduced once I became fat-adapted on the ketogenic way of eating.

I now only need 1600mg of MSM daily instead of 4000mg!

You can read more about how keto has reduced my ME/CFS symptoms over here, but if you’re unable to manage a drastic diet and lifestyle change like Keto, then taking MSM daily is an excellent way to help manage your pain in a more natural way.

A pill bottle and glass of water in the foreground, in the background a woman sleeping on a bed. Title reads: how ive reduced my chronic pain. Methylsulfonyl methane fir joint health and pain relief. the benefits of MSM supplements

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Chronically Hopeful
Chronically Hopeful

Char was born and raised in South Africa, but has been settled in Europe for over 20 years. She's passionate about finding ways to live well, despite chronic illness.

Apart from blogging, she enjoys art, cooking, reading, gardening, gaming and learning new things. She speaks English, Italian and Afrikaans fluently and is slowly learning French too.

She used to be a teacher, but has been housebound with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis since 2015. Since then, she's focused on spending the little energy and strength she has each day on the people and activities she loves. Finding joy in the little things and celebrating the ordinary.

8 Comments

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  1. I think I have seen this in the store but never knew what it was for. I am going to have to check it out. I already follow an anti-inflammatory diet but I am always looking for more ways to reduce my arthritis pain. Thank you!

    • I think it’s definitely worth a shot! It takes a while to kick in and feel any results, but I won’t go without mine now. It’s helped a few people I know with chronic pain.

      I have found that the stores on the high street cost much more than the online stores. I’d love to know how you get on with it!

    • I hope you find as much relief as I did! I have a few friends who are also using MSM for chronic pain conditions, so I am hopeful that you will find some relief. Just be patient initially and increase the dose slowly each week. Effects will take a while to appear. All the best!

    • The two have very different functions in the body.

      MSM – main function is pain relief, joint and connective tissue support, so has effect on joints, muscles, skin, nails, hair, etc.

      L-Carnatine – main function is energy metabolism and mitochondrial function, it helps the body turn fat into energy and can also have an effect on mental clarity.

      I do take it as it is recommended by Dr Myhill for mitochondrial support for people with ME/CFS. I definitely have more mental clarity and cognitive energy in general as I am able to work more on this blog since starting the mitochondrial and adrenal cocktails recommended by Dr M.

    • I’m currently taking 1000mg Magnesium and about 1800mg MSM daily. Before starting the Ketogenic diet (which has further reduced my pain levels), I was on 4000mg MSM daily. Why do you ask? Is there greater benefit from taking more Magnesium with it?

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