Help! I feel stiff and sore in the mornings.

Many of us wake up in the mornings and feel stiff and sore from time to time. Once you have ruled out arthritis, there are a number of steps you can take to help you start bouncing out of bed again in the mornings.

Common non-medical causes of stiffness in the morning

Common causes of morning stiffness include a poor sleeping position, lack of quality sleep and tight muscles.

Sleeping on your stomach can put strain on your neck and back, leaving you stiff and sore when you wake up. Also, if your pillow is too high or low it can also put strain on your neck.

If you work out and forget to stretch afterward, or neglect rest days, you put yourself at risk of muscle stiffness that will only be exacerbated in the morning after a night of inactivity.

Poor quality sleep can contribute to the degree to which we experience pain, meaning that restless nights can leave us more susceptible to feeling stiff and sore in the morning.

What can you do to reduce stiffness and soreness in the mornings?

• Find a comfortable sleeping position that enables you to maintain a neutral spine
• Buy a mattress that is comfortable and supportive for your joints
• Stretch after every workout
• Perform dynamic stretches as soon as you wake up
• Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated during the day
• Stay active and enjoy a nutritious, well-balanced diet to promote joint health