Feeling Stiff in the Morning?

Does it take you a long time in the morning to get up and feel loose enough to start your day?  You’re not alone.  Stiffness or tightness in your back in the morning is a much more common complaint then you may think.  There are a variety of causes including poor sleeping habits, a lack of physical activity, and poor posture.  If you are over the age of 35 your back stiffness could be an indication that you have arthritis in your spine.  Whatever the cause, here are some tips to help alleviate your stiffness.

• ·      Perform the following stretches each morning while you are still in bed.

o   Hug your knees to your chest so you are in a ball.  Repeat a few times relaxing in between.

o   Reach and extend your arms up above your head. Relax by bringing your arms back to your side and the repeat several times.

o   Lie on your back with both knees bent and feet flat on the floor.  Slowly move knees 2-4 inches to the side then return to the center.  Repeat a few times on each side. 

• ·      Strengthening your abdominal and postural muscles can help relieve pain. Standing with good posture is very important because it removes unnecessary stress on the spine.
• ·      Take a hot shower to warm up your muscles and joints.
• ·      Avoid lifting heavy objects in the morning.
• ·      Make sure you have a good mattress that supports your back.  If you’ve had it for more then 10 years it may be time to shop for a new one.
• ·      Follow a regular exercise plan.  It doesn’t have to be fancy, even going on a walk every day can improve stiffness.