I’m Dr. Chad Walding, a physical therapist who spent more than ten years working with seniors in Texas.
When I began my career, I accepted the common belief that nerve damage was permanent—something people simply had to endure. My training taught me that once nerve pain started, it would only deteriorate with time.
Standard treatments offered minimal, temporary relief. My patients often relied on numerous medications that dulled their pain only slightly while causing unpleasant side effects. It was disheartening for them—and for me.
That perspective shifted dramatically when I discovered a “nutrition-first” approach. In particular, I learned about one key mineral that reshaped how I viewed and treated nerve pain.
The Inflammation-Nerve Pain Connection
Older adults suffering from nerve pain often try everything—chiropractic care, acupuncture, prescription painkillers, heat therapy, and more. But these methods usually target the symptoms, not the underlying issue.
That root issue? Chronic, uncontrolled inflammation.
When inflammation runs rampant, it irritates nerve endings and puts pressure on them, sending constant pain signals to the brain. Think of it like a garden hose with a kink: the pressure builds up and causes damage.
Chronic inflammation doesn’t just affect nerves—it can disturb sleep, elevate stress, and impact cardiovascular health. The good news? There’s a way to address it—starting with a commonly overlooked mineral.
Magnesium: The Unsung Hero of Nerve Health
Magnesium is present in every cell and is vital to over 300 different biological functions. It plays a key role in:
- Generating energy
- Helping muscles contract and relax
- Repairing DNA
- Synthesizing proteins
- Regulating the nervous system and neurotransmitters
What makes magnesium especially valuable is its role in fighting inflammation. It acts like a natural anti-inflammatory, helping to suppress compounds that cause pain and swelling.
When the body is magnesium-deficient, it tends to produce more of these inflammatory substances, leading to nerve pain, muscle stiffness, joint discomfort, and even emotional imbalances. Unfortunately, magnesium deficiency is widespread among adults over 50.
How Magnesium Supports Nerve Pain Relief
Magnesium offers several specific benefits for those suffering from nerve-related discomfort:
- Calms overactive nerves – helping reduce sharp, shooting pains
- Relaxes tight muscles – easing compression on nearby nerves
- Reduces inflammation – decreasing swelling that causes pain
As a result, people who increase their magnesium levels often experience:
- Less tingling, burning, or numbness
- Fewer electric-like nerve jolts
- Better sleep quality
- More comfort in daily movement
A 2011 study even showed that magnesium supplementation eased sciatic nerve pain and promoted nerve regeneration—an exciting discovery for those dealing with chronic pain.
Magnesium’s Role in Heart Health
Magnesium’s benefits don’t stop with nerve relief—it’s also essential for heart health. It helps:
- Maintain a steady heart rhythm
- Dilate blood vessels to improve circulation
- Support healthy blood pressure and muscle strength
As we age, our heart health becomes more vulnerable, and our magnesium requirements increase. Many common medications actually deplete magnesium, making it even more important to replenish levels through supplementation.
Why Magnesium Deficiency Is So Common
An estimated 70% of American adults don’t consume enough magnesium. Aging compounds this issue: the older we get, the less magnesium we absorb from food, and the more we lose through kidney excretion.
On top of that, modern farming practices have stripped much of the magnesium from our soil, reducing its presence in food.
This means relying solely on diet isn’t enough, especially for older adults. The right magnesium supplement is now essential.
The Bottom Line
If you’re over 50 and dealing with nerve discomfort, muscle cramps, or inflammation, you might be missing a simple yet powerful solution: marine magnesium.
This natural form of magnesium not only helps lower inflammation and ease nerve pain but also contains trace minerals that support overall cellular health.
It’s an effective way to support aging nerves, improve comfort, and restore mobility, without the burden of side effects that often come with medications.
By addressing the root causes instead of just masking symptoms, magnesium can be a game-changer for long-term relief and better quality of life.
