Muscle Stiffness; Causes and Treatments

We have all experienced that moment when we suddenly feel like our muscles are stiff and need stretching. This usually happens after exercise or hard physical labor, or sometimes, after a while of inactivity.  

Muscle stiffness usually lasts for a short period with mild pain. But if after a while, you may still feel the stiffness alongside pain, you should seek medical help.

Causes of Muscle Stiffness

• Dehydration

The body needs water to aid in the transportation of nutrients. When you are dehydrated, the body will not transport the essential nutrients required by the muscles (sodium and potassium), which will make the muscles feel cranky and tight.

• Bad Posture

If you maintain a bad posture for a while, some muscles will be stretched while some will be shortened. This will lead to an imbalance of the muscles, and the shortened muscle will feel tight with the need to be in the right position.

• Sudden Stress

If your body is not used to a kind of movement or rigorous work, the muscles might not go past the limit it is used to. So, the muscles tighten up but relax soon enough with time.

This is the same as Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). DOMS does not happen immediately; you might feel pain and stiffness after a few hours. 

• Injury

Body pain is a sign that something is wrong. Little tears can cause muscle stiffness during exercises, sprains, and strains or muscle sensitivity to cold or heat. Severe muscle pain can be a symptom of arthritis, poisoning, and autoimmune disease.

How to Prevent or Treat Muscle Stiffness

Since you know some of the causes of muscle stiffness, you should do the needful to prevent a repeat of the muscle stiffness.

• Drink Enough Water

Since dehydration is a cause of muscle stiffness, drinking enough water ensures that nutrients are circulated to the body, which prevents stiff muscle.

• Eat a Healthy Diet

Just like other parts of the body, the muscle needs some nutrients to be in good shape. The primary nutrients required by the muscle are Calcium and Magnesium. Eat a balanced diet so that there will be no deficiency of nutrients.

• Warm-Up Before Exercising

If you take time to do some warm-ups before starting your exercise, your muscles will have stretched, and there will be improved circulation around the body. This does not mean there will be no soreness, but the soreness will last for a short period till it eventually seems nonexistent.

• Exercise

Exercise makes you have an improved body posture, which ensures balanced muscles and improved flexibility. Exercises also increase your limit, and with time, you will be able to stretch your muscle beyond the average. After you exercise you may need to use a natural herbal product like Yourzone, Herbal Pain Relief.

• Seek Medical Help

If the muscle stiffness persists with pain, it is time to consult a chiropractor willetton. Your doctor will be able to do a thorough check while checking your medical history.

If you take good care of your body, your muscles will also be in good shape. Remember, many of the causes of muscle stiffness can be prevented. Improve your health today.