Do you ever wake up in the morning feeling stiff and sore even if you haven’t done much in the way of physical activity lately? Muscle pain can occur for many different reasons and range from just slightly annoying to downright debilitating.
Here are some of the most common causes of stiff and tight muscles and also a few natural ways to ease them back into shape.
Overuse
One of the most obvious causes of muscle discomfort is if you have overused a particular muscle while doing work or exercises. This could be the cause of muscle stiffness if you have recently done a lot of yard work or started a new gym routine, for example.
Sprains and Strains
If you have suffered an injury, such as a sprain or strain, the affected muscle will often feel tight and difficult to move. Sprains and strains are also often accompanied by redness, swelling, limited range of motion, and pain.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition marked by joint pain and stiffness that can be felt throughout the body or just in certain joints that are frequently used. This stiffness is usually accompanied by inflammation and gets worse with age and in the mornings.
Chronic Pain
Fibromyalgia is a type of chronic pain that has muscle stiffness as a symptom, as well as fatigue, headaches, and cognitive fog. This chronic condition is challenging to diagnose and treat in many cases.
Anxiety
When you are anxious, your muscles naturally get tensed up and constrict and flex in uncomfortable ways. Many people feel stiffness in their necks, shoulders, and backs due to prolonged stress and anxiety that are not being addressed and effectively treated.
Infection
Serious infections can cause muscle stiffness as well and often require medication attention and medication. One type of infection is meningitis, which often results in a stiff neck, high fever that comes on suddenly, headache, and vomiting. Tetanus is another type of infection that can cause stiffness, as well as stomach cramping, rapid heart rate, and trouble swallowing.
Treating Stiffness Naturally
Most types of muscle stiffness will go away on their own and can be temporarily eased with natural remedies at home. Heat packs, cold packs, massage, and good old-fashioned rest can do a world of good for sore muscles. Stretching before and after exercise can help prevent stiffness, while warm baths can also help provide relief. Trying to have good posture when both sitting and standing, as well as taking breaks from being in any one position for too long, are also beneficial for soreness prevention.
Good nutrients to have in your diet for soreness prevention are magnesium and calcium. Therefore, if you are prone to stiff muscles, try to eat more fish, dairy foods, avocados, nuts, and bananas on a regular basis. Hydration helps lubricate muscles in the body, so drinking plenty of water is also a good strategy for prevention and natural treatment for mildly sore muscles.