What is the truth behind the cloud of DOMS (deleyed onset muscle soarness)

Ok guys, what is the real truth about doms. It is obviously cause by a change in routine, but what causes it and what more importantly is the best way to get rid of it.   To start I have read explanations ranging from acid build up in the muscles affected to lack of hydration, and finally inflammation due to the microscopic tearing of the muscles. I have stated to introduce several (body shock) cardio workouts to my routine so as to break my fitness plateau.  Ok so here is where I’m confused almost all the articles I have read are trying to sell you something which makes me doubt the content of their supposed solutions (I can give myself a placebo affect lol)  Some recommend ibporphen or other anti inflammatory and other sites say this is detrimental to muscle growth. Some say to put cold backs to reduce circulation while other say you need to increase circulation to promote growth.  The confusion is in where can I a strait answer as to what is the best way to speed recovery and maximize growth... A trainer once told me recovery is where the magic happens so I want to make the most of my work. Does anyone have any ideas? Dan

This is to be expected for those just beginning an exercise regimen or for those who make changes to their routine.  The breakdown and tearing of muscle is a natural and necessary part of the building process - but it's just part of the process.  Rest in between workouts is as critical to the building process as the exercise itself.  Recuperation and repair of the muscles (this is when you're likely to be sore) is what helps provide the foundation for growth.  Continual working of the same muscle groups day in and day out without rest in between can and will be counter-productive.  I don' t know how many times that I've seen folks complaining that they workout everyday, doing the same thing and see little to no results and are constantly fatigued. Okay - as to the question of being sore (the DOMS issue)...there are ways to minimize it.  Myself, I like a bit of soreness as I know the regimen i****ting the spots I'm targeting.  However, warm-ups and warm-downs (light cardio before and after) is helpful as well as stretching.  This gets the blood and oxygen flowing to the areas being worked and can help reduce some of the stress put on them by the exercise.  Also, avoid doing too much too soon...getting physically fit is not a race...be patient and take it easy.  Be careful of the anti-immflammatories...there are schools of thought out there that RNY patients should avoid these.  On this question - consult your Surgeon or PCP. In the gym...Work hard, but work smart! Best wishes!! CF

The truth is..  ..no one knows.  :) Really, nobody is sure of the actual cause.  They do know you are more likely to get sore on the negative phase of the motion (ever notice your back gets more sore then your chest? ) But other then that..no clue as to what causes it.  Me..I like it. I think it is a sign I am working hard..  If you are sore everytime you work out, then you are keeping things different enough so your body does not adapt...and -that- is a good thing.    

Dan, i would say something except CF just gave the best answer i ever heard! Carbonblob