Can Magnesium Help Herniated Disc Pain? Benefits, Dosage & Treatment Guide

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

magnesium for bulging disc

Can Magnesium Help Herniated Disc Pain? Benefits, Dosage & Treatment Guide

Magnesium can be a powerful addition to your herniated disc treatment plan. This essential mineral supports nerve function, reduces inflammation, and helps relax muscles—three critical components of spine health. 

In this article, we’ll explore how magnesium helps relieve herniated disc symptoms. You'll learn about its roles in the body, how it reduces nerve pain and spasms, and the different forms of magnesium. We’ll also review safe dosage guidelines and how to combine magnesium with effective medical treatments. 

What Does Magnesium Do in the Body?

Magnesium is involved in over 300 bodily functions. It supports muscle contraction, nerve transmission, bone strength, and blood sugar regulation. It also helps balance electrolytes and maintain normal heart rhythms. 

When it comes to spine health, magnesium plays a crucial role in muscle relaxation and nerve communication. It supports calcium balance, which is important for maintaining strong bones and preventing conditions like osteoporosis. That means magnesium is essential for a healthy spine and surrounding tissues. 

Why Magnesium Matters for Nerve and Muscle Health

Proper magnesium levels help the nervous system stay balanced. It regulates the flow of electrolytes within nerve cells, which prevents overstimulation—a key cause of nerve-related pain. 

magnesium for herniated disc

Magnesium also helps muscles relax after they contract. This is especially important for people with herniated discs, who often suffer from painful muscle spasms in the lower back. Keeping your magnesium levels steady can reduce the frequency and severity of these spasms, improving comfort and movement. 

How Magnesium Reduces Inflammation and Pain

Inflammation is the root cause of pain from herniated discs. Magnesium helps regulate your body’s inflammatory response by supporting natural chemical processes that reduce swelling. 

It also affects how pain signals are transmitted through the nervous system. Magnesium blocks pain receptors and acts as a natural muscle relaxer, making it a useful tool for pain relief. 

Magnesium and Nerve Sensitization

Our clinical observations show that magnesium helps reduce nerve sensitization—a condition where nerves become overly reactive, making pain worse. 

Magnesium controls how much calcium enters nerve cells. Since calcium is involved in sending pain signals, keeping it in check can lower pain sensitivity. This makes magnesium helpful for people suffering from chronic back pain caused by inflamed or compressed nerves. 

Best Types of Magnesium for Herniated Disc Relief

The type of magnesium you choose affects how well your body absorbs it and how effective it is. 

magnesium for bulging disc

Magnesium Sulfate: Whole-Body and Targeted Pain Relief

This form is often given through an IV and has whole-body (systemic) effects. It relaxes muscles, reduces inflammation, and helps in acute pain situations. 

Magnesium Glycinate: Gentle and Effective for Muscle Relaxation

One of the most absorbable forms, magnesium glycinate helps relieve muscle tension and is easy on the stomach. It's especially helpful for those with herniated disc pain and sensitive digestion. 

Other Forms: What to Know

Magnesium citrate is well-absorbed and supports muscle relaxation but can have a laxative effect. Magnesium oxide is less absorbable but useful for long-term supplementation. Choose based on your symptoms and tolerance. 

Safe Dosage and How to Take Magnesium

Getting the right amount is essential. Too little won’t help, and too much can cause side effects. 

does magnesium help with herniated discs

Recommended Daily Intake: 

  • Men: 400–420 mg 
  • Women: 310–320 mg 
  • Pregnant/Breastfeeding: Higher needs 

Most people can meet these needs through diet, but for those with herniated disc pain, supplementation may help. Start with a low dose and increase gradually, especially if using magnesium for therapeutic relief. 

Magnesium glycinate tends to work well at higher doses, while citrate may need moderation to avoid digestive issues. 

Side Effects and Medication Interactions

Too much magnesium can lead to diarrhea, nausea, or cramping. It may also interact with medications like antibiotics or diuretics. Always check with your doctor before starting supplements. 

Combining Magnesium with Other Treatments

Magnesium should be part of a larger spine care plan. It helps manage inflammation and muscle tension, but it does not fix the root cause of disc pain.

magnesium for herniated disc(1)

For long-lasting relief, Deuk Laser Disc Repair is a revolutionary procedure. It removes damaged disc tissue using a laser, relieving pressure on nerves without cutting bones or inserting hardware. This outpatient, non-fusion surgery maintains spine mobility and function. 

It works for many conditions, whether you’re dealing with C7-T1 disc pain, sciatic nerve pain, or a lumbar disc bulge. With over a 95% success rate and zero complications, it’s the safest and most effective way to treat herniated discs. 

Natural Sources of Magnesium

Eating magnesium-rich foods supports spine health naturally. Great sources include: 

  • Leafy greens: spinach, Swiss chard, kale 
  • Nuts and seeds: almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds 
  • Legumes: black beans, lentils 
  • Whole grains: brown rice, quinoa 
  • Fruits: avocados, bananas 
  • Dark chocolate 

magnesium herniated disc

These foods also help reduce inflammation and support muscle function. 

 

spinal mri

Magnesium Helps, But It’s Not a Cure

Magnesium supports your spine by easing nerve sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and relaxing muscles. But to truly fix the cause of your pain, you may need more. At Deuk Spine Institute, we offer minimally invasive laser spine surgery that cures herniated disc pain permanently. Book a free MRI review today and take the first step toward a pain-free life.