Stiffness

Back Stiffness   

Back stiffness is usually caused by muscle spasm or arthritis. A strain in the back is the most common cause of stiffness. This strain can usually occur as a result of an injury to the back muscles ( lifting heavy objects, sports etc.) and back ligaments that support the spine. Stiffness of the back can start before the age of 40, is worse usually in the mornings lasting for at least 30 minutes and feels like the aching you get the day after heavy exercise, arthritis of the back can lead to stiffness by wearing out the joints of the vertebrae.remedies:Herbs: Components in Green tea, Ginger, Boswelia , Turmeric or Curcumin reduce inflammation in joints and decreases stiffness.Supplements: Evening Primrose Oil, Black Currant, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin D, Vitamin E.

Why do I Wake Up Feeling Stiff in the Morning?

Do you wake up in the morning with a stiff neck, back or legs? This could occur from the mid-30's and
upwards. Old age is commonly associated with stiff joints and muscles but, younger people are waking
up with "Morning stiffness" which is usually from inflammation in the joints and connective tissue like
muscles and tendons. There are numerous reasons for this....

 

Mild Injuries

Mild Injuries from sports or overuse of a muscle or joint could be associated with "morning stiffness". It is believed that when we are asleep, lymph leaks from our blood vessels, especially near inflamed swollen tissue. This excess fluid makes the affected tissue swell more and when we wake up, it is difficult to move. Once we start to move the affected limb, circulation is restored which dissipates the excess fluid.

 

 

 

Age

Age tends to bring on stiffness in the mornings. Even active older adults who had perhaps injured themselves in mid- life with excessive exercises can be affected with "Morning stiffness". With time the connective tissue in our bodies becomes weaker and this can affect our mobility.

 

 

 

 

 

Weight

Being Overweight tends to put a strain on joints, tendons and muscles and a poor diet high in simple carbohydrates can cause weak muscles, poor posture and a general "lethargic" feeling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Temperature

Cold environments can cause our muscles to stiffen as the cold affects the blood flow throughout the
body.

 

 

 

Sleeping Posture

Poor sleeping posture tends to cause stiffness as the body is in a bad position for hours which causes a reduced flow of blood to our muscles causing a Lactic Acid build up.

 

 

 

Fibromyalgia

fibromyalgia can cause "Morning stiffness". fibromyalgia pain is usually felt over the entire body and in some cases has been described as tender, aching, throbbing, sore, and in some cases burning. The pair- can be a felt in the areas around the joints rather than in the joints.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause our joints to feel stiff, especially in the morning and tends to last longer than half an hour. Sufferers of Rheumatoid arthritis have a chronic inflammatory condition which mainly affects the joints and causes them to be swollen, stiff and painful especially when the person suffers with RA "flares" when the arthritis is more active than usual.

 

 

 

 

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can cause sufferers to have stiffness in the morning but this tends to last less than 30 minutes as the joints "loosen up" after moving around. The stiffness is usually felt in a particular affected joint and not in multiple places of the body. Cartilage loss in the joint can result in unstable joints which can cause a joint to lock. A stiffness in the knee, hips, fingers or spine could indicate the onset of Osteoarthritis.

Some gentle range of motion exercises can help to maintain and improve joint flexibility. Having a warm or hot shower can also help reduce joint
and muscle stiffness in the morning.