I have problems with chronic muscle tension, particularly in the neck. I wondered if there was any relationship between tension and caffeine since I drink coffee. Here some interesting bits:

-- http://www.askmen.com/sports/foodcou...ting_well.html

This article is very pro coffee but does point out "Evidence shows that caffeine intensifies muscle contractions" ...

-- http://bodytechnician.com/caffeine.html

This guy claims that when his massage therapy clients stop or start caffeine, he can feel the difference in their level of muscle tension. He also claims "Moderate-to-high coffee consumption (>1 cup/day) increases markers of inflammation. Inflammation causes pain." with references. But wow, is that page the most anti-caffeine/coffee page you could ever imagine.

-- I also recall that one of my magnesium books claimed that coffee depletes magnesium which is associated with muscle relaxation.

I've also read some benefits of caffeine, but none of them related to muscle relaxation.

Thoughts? Experiences?