Muscle stiffness is often the cause of stiffness in body. This rigidity is a feeling of discomfort or tightness in the muscles which can limit the movements. Most of the time, essential home treatments, such as applying ice to the afflicted area or mild stretching will effectively relieve the body’s stiffness. Rarely may a severe sickness be brought on by physical rigidity. Let’s read this article to learn more about it.
What is Muscle or Body Stiffness?
Muscle or body stiffness is a muscle tightness that can cause pain and difficulty moving. Joint pain and stiffness all over the body generally happen due to the overuse of a particular muscle or some underlying medical condition. Our bodies have three types of muscles – cardiac, skeletal, and smooth. Body stiffness mostly happens in skeletal muscles, voluntarily controlled muscles that aid in our body’s walking and doing daily activities. If the nervous system cannot communicate with these muscle cells, they may remain contracted, resulting in whole body stiffness.
Body Stiffness Causes
Stiffness generally indicates that the muscles are working fine and functioning well. However, one should know the reason for the stiffness. The stiffness in body causes is not limited or restricted to anything. There can be many reasons behind it, such as the following:
- Exercise pain
- Sports-related injuries
- Arthritis
- Nutrient deficiency
- Sprain
- Strain
- Infection
- Poor posture
- Dehydration
- Inactivity
- Stress
- Tension
- Inflammation
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Cold weather
- Medication side effects
- Insect bites.
How to Relieve Body Stiffness?
Many people experience stiffness in thighs and legs more after waking up. For some people, it lasts only 10-15 minutes, while for others, it can be longer. Here are a few ways that can help you combat this stiffness in body issues:
- Sleep – Your body needs deep sleep to refuel and recharge. This is when the body also repairs itself; thus, good sleep is required.
- Mattress – Your mattress condition can also be the cause of stiffness. It can be either too firm, soft, or nasty for you. A mattress like that might cause improper sleeping position and undue muscular strain.
- Stretching – A good practice is to do some gentle stretching before getting out of your bed. You can do ankle pumps, ankle circles, knee and hip bending, and wrist circles.
- Hot Shower – Irrespective of the weather, start your day with a lukewarm hot water shower if possible. Hot water helps relax the stiffness in body and can make you comfortable.
- Be Active – Include daily activities like exercise, walking, or stretching. If you have a sitting job, try to change positions and ensure your chair is comfortable.
- Balanced Diet – Body rigidity is significantly influenced by diet. Certain foods linked to inflammation can make your body feel stiff and heavy. Therefore, if you face stiffness often, get a diet plan from your dietician and follow it to prevent stiffness.
- Medication – If you have stiffness in body because of an underlying medical condition, do not forget to take your medications on time. Your medicines will help you stay comfortable and flexible the entire day.
When to See a Doctor?
Home remedies and simple tips can help you prevent stiffness in body. However, if you experience one of the below, you must consult a doctor:
- Morning joint or muscle pain or stiffness that lasts more than one hour.
- Body or joint stiffness affects your back, where breathing is difficult.
- Ongoing tingling or numbness in your legs or arms with joint pain.
Diagnosis of Body Stiffness
You should consult your doctor immediately if your stiffness in body is extreme and not going away. Your doctor will check for medical and family history and advise you on some tests. These can include physical exams or lab tests to rule out possible muscle damage or underlying medical conditions.
Conclusion
Body stiffness is fairly frequent, particularly after prolonged exertion or periods of rest. Injuries, autoimmune diseases, and musculoskeletal disorders can also cause it. Unexpectedly, a bug bite or other adverse effect from a certain drug might cause your body to become stiff. Therefore, if you feel that the stiffness is happening too frequently and isn’t getting better even with easy fixes, you should see a doctor. Stiffness in body can be managed with the right diagnosis and therapy. It’s important not to ignore it as it may raise questions and interfere with your regular routines. Observe the outcomes by doing as your doctor instructs.
