If you wake up with aches and pains, it can really put a damper on your mood. This is not a good way to start your day. You probably have made excuses for your pain, such as “I slept on my neck wrong,” or “I’m just getting older — this is to be expected.” However, you don’t need to say goodbye to a good night’s rest just yet!
Unfortunately, millions of people experience sore muscles and stiff joints in the morning. There are usually a variety of reasons for this, with the severity of pain ranging from mild to even severe in some cases. Aches and pains in the morning are not only uncomfortable but can at least temporarily limit your mobility during the day. You might find that you don’t truly feel normal until you’re up and moving around, or you might notice you feel stiff from sun up to sun down!
No matter what the cause might be, it’s a good idea to have a physical therapist assess your condition. Call our office to find out how we can help you eliminate aches and pains in the morning and throughout the day.
Common causes for morning aches and pains
There are tons of reasons you might be feeling extra sore in the mornings. The issue could be with your mattress, or it could be the result of accidents, injuries, or a chronic health condition. Aches and pains in the morning can also be the result of the following:
- Arthritis – If you’re suffering from any type of arthritic condition, pain and soreness may be more of a problem in the morning.
- Diet – A diet that is high in fast food and processed foods can cause inflammation in the joints. Excessive amounts of sugar and red meat could also contribute to aches and pains.
- Poor sleeping positions – Aches and pains in the morning are often related to awkward sleeping positions. Sometimes pain is due to the wrong type of mattress or pillow.
- Inflammation – Chronic low-grade inflammation is sometimes the culprit when experiencing morning aches and pains. Inflammation and morning stiffness often increases with aging.
There are several symptoms you might experience if you’re sore and achy in the morning. Pain is often located in the neck and back area, although you may also experience pain in your legs, arms, and shoulders. Stiffness will often accompany morning aches and pains and can hinder your ability to get a good night’s sleep.
Physical therapy can alleviate aches and pains
Working with a physical therapist may help alleviate your aches and pains. A physical therapist is a movement specialist, and will conduct a thorough evaluation of your current health, sleep habits, and medical conditions. A physical therapist can teach you exercises you can do in the morning when you first get out of bed to reduce pain and stiffness. A routine prescribed by your therapist can target specific problem areas such as your back or shoulders.
A physical therapist can also recommend different sleep positions that may be able to decrease the pain you experience each morning. Your treatment program will specifically treat your aches and pains. This could include manual therapy, hot and cold therapy, and sensory re-education.
It’s important to remember that staying hydrated, eating healthy, and getting enough exercise can help reduce aches and pains in the morning. You must take responsibility where you can for the way your body feels!
Other reasons for soreness in the morning
Feeling achy and sore in the morning can be different from other types of pain you experience at other times throughout the day. After an intense workout, you might have sore muscles from overexertion. If you’ve experienced an injury of some sort, this can also cause pain. Aches and pains in the morning have also been known to occur after you’ve been sleeping for several hours. Your body is ready to get up and get moving!
Morning pain and stiffness are usually not a cause for concern. Harvard Health Publishing states that if stiffness lasts more than 30 minutes, you’ll want to see a doctor. These could be signs of more serious conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or polymyalgia rheumatica. Be sure not to self-diagnose. Contact a physical therapist as soon as possible and schedule an appointment for evaluation.
Ready to really become a morning person?
It’s about time you started enjoying the mornings for what they are: a chance at a new beginning, another day. Contact our office near Parkland, Tamarac, Pompano Beach, Margate, Coconut Creek, and in Coral Springs, FL to learn how physical therapy can help eliminate your aches and pains and get back to enjoying the sunrise.
