7 Ways to Avoid Morning Muscle Stiffness
November 15, 2017
Are your muscles so stiff that you can hardly get out of bed in the morning? Does it take a couple of hours for you to start feeling normal again? We see this a lot. The first thing to know is that you’re certainly not alone. More than six million Americans suffer from fibromyalgia, which occurs more often in women than in men. This is a very common condition affecting the bones and muscles. Unfortunately, it’s not always understood, which means there are many misdiagnoses. The main symptoms are joint pain and fatigue.
There is currently no cure. However, through medication, physical fitness and healthy eating, there’s hope for a normal, active life.
There is currently no cure. However, through medication, physical fitness and healthy eating, there’s hope for a normal, active life.
Morning Stiffness
This is the most common complaint when it comes to fibromyalgia sufferers. This can be triggered by anything from lack of daily activity and being overweight to possessing a poor diet. Also, if you aren’t getting adequate sleep or live in a cold or damp environment, these factors can contribute as well.
Treatments
So, how can you relieve morning stiffness? Here are some tips.
- Get enough restful sleep, either on your side or back. Stomach sleeping places stress on the lower back and spine.
- Seal all windows and doors in your bedroom if it tends to get drafty. If you are cold, use a space heater or pile on more blankets.
- Stretch in bed to loosen muscles and increase blood flow.
- Take hot showers in the morning and before bed. This will promote circulation and release muscle spasms.
- Do gentle knee bends, using a counter, table, or chair for support.
- Drink water — a lot.
- Eat healthy foods. Reduce simple carbohydrates and begin paying attention to food labels at the grocery store. Stay away from foods with artificial colors, enriched white flour, and artificial flavors and sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup.
- Practice stress management techniques. This will allow you to get a better night’s sleep and decrease the chance of muscle spasms.
- Get regular exercise. Even walking around the block is better than nothing.
- Dress appropriately in the winter when in your home, particularly when you go to bed. Keep in mind, cold temperatures cause muscle and joint stiffening.
Need more tips and treatment?
If you’re experiencing muscle stiffness, contact us today to receive a free consultation and get to the bottom of the cause of your pain. At Advanced Wellness and Rehab, we are dedicated to a comprehensive approach to treating your pain, and offer services including chiropractic care, physical therapy, therapeutic massage, and even Myokinesthetic treatments.
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