Originally Posted by mrsD

Magnesium is a NMDA pain receptor blocking agent. It can be helpful for improving circulation, and blocking some pain signals.

You will want to start at 200mg elemental a day, or 2 tablets a day of SlowMag (or the generic Mag64 which is better absorbed.)
Take the SlowMag one tablet twice a day. This is designed for good absorption, and less laxative side effects.
http://www.slowmag.com/

Avoid magnesium oxide, as it is not absorbed, and just passes out with the stool.

You can also use magnesium citrate, malate, taurate but all magnesium in large doses can be laxative orally. This varies from person to person.

There should not be any increased level in pain. In fact using a topical version is better than oral. That is what I do now. Unfortunately, the lotion that is so nice, was recently discontinued by Morton's, because of slow sales. There are other creams and lotions on Amazon ... so take a look there.