Morning stiffness in muscles and joints can be a common complaint, but what exactly causes this discomfort? Harvard Health explains that weak muscles and stiff tendons can tighten during sleep, and conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can trigger this feeling. The average duration of this stiffness is typically 10 to 15 minutes and is relieved as you move and warm up the joints and muscles.

Harvard Health also suggests a simple exercise to alleviate morning stiffness: Stand up straight with your feet slightly apart. Place your hands on your lower back with your fingertips pointing down. As you inhale, roll your shoulders back and gently lift your chest toward the ceiling, arching your back to a point of comfort and gazing up at the ceiling.

However, not all stiffness is the same. Stiff Person Syndrome is a degenerative condition distinct from temporary stiffness. It’s not relieved by typical interventions like stretching and muscle relaxers and requires different management strategies. Chronic inflammation can also contribute to joint stiffness, as seen in conditions like CPPD and psoriatic arthritis, leading to pain, stiffness, and joint damage over time.

Age can also be a factor in morning stiffness, as the joints experience more wear and tear. The solution is to stay active, as gentle movements and light activity can help to alleviate stiffness. Muscle disorders such as tears, inflammation, and diseases can cause muscle aches and weakness, contributing to an overall feeling of stiffness in the body.

Fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, is another cause of body stiffness. This condition can lead to a range of symptoms including extreme fatigue, headaches, and cognitive difficulties, as explained by Harvard Health.

Understanding the role of acute inflammation in the body’s response to injury or infection is also crucial. Acute inflammation can cause redness, pain, warmth, and swelling, as noted by Harvard Health.