Why do I feel stiff and achy all over?
Feeling stiff and achy all over is usually muscle stiffness from spending too long in one position, not a sign that something is seriously wrong. Muscles that are not moved regularly tighten and complain, especially first thing in the morning and after sitting. It tends to loosen with movement and hands-on care.
A stiff body is parts that have stopped moving freely.
What does "stiff all over" actually mean?
The dots in the image are the many parts of your body, the muscles and joints of your back, hips and shoulders. When you keep moving, they settle together, and everything feels loose. When you sit or lie still for too long, those same parts stiffen in place, and the body feels gripped in a dozen small spots at once. That is not about anything being out of line. It stands for muscles that have gone quiet and tight from lack of movement. Most people feel it as a general stiffness and dull ache rather than one sharp pain, worst first thing and after a long spell in a chair.
What does "stiff all over" actually mean?
The dots in the image are the many parts of your body, the muscles and joints of your back, hips and shoulders. When you keep moving, they settle together, and everything feels loose. When you sit or lie still for too long, those same parts stiffen in place and the body feels gripped in a dozen small spots at once. That is not about anything being out of line. It stands for muscles that have gone quiet and tight from lack of movement. Most people feel it as a general stiffness and dull ache rather than one sharp pain, worst first thing and after a long spell in a chair.
Why is it worse in the morning and after sitting?
Muscles like to be used. Kept still for hours, whether overnight or at a desk, they lose a little of their easy give and take a while to wake up. That is why the first steps out of bed can feel stiff, and why standing after a long meeting feels the same. Age and stress add to it, and so does doing nothing about it, because the less you move, the stiffer you feel. The fix is mostly movement. Getting up often, a gentle stretch or a short walk keeps the body from settling. Hands-on care helps too, and at Back In Sync we look at where you stiffen most, work on easing it, then show you simple ways to keep moving between visits.
When should I get it looked at?
Everyday stiffness eases once you get going. See your GP or us sooner if the stiffness lasts more than an hour every morning, if a joint is swollen, hot or red, if the ache comes with fever, unexplained weight loss or feeling generally unwell, or if it follows a fall or an accident. These patterns are less common, but they are worth acting on quickly rather than waiting.
If you feel stiff and achy most days and want it looked at, we can help. Back In Sync sees people from across New Malden, Surbiton and Worcester Park. You can book online through Jane, or get in touch first with any questions.
Back In Sync, 167 South Lane, New Malden, KT3 5ES. 020 8942 5901.