Keep Morning Soreness at Bay With These Tips
By Rachel Carver
Morning soreness is common in many of us. Tissue surrounding our joints keeps them lubricated during movement, allowing bones to easily move past each other. Not moving during the eight hours we spend asleep can lead to pain, inflammation, and morning stiffness. Other factors, such as recovering from a hard workout or a restricted or misaligned spine, can also make it hard to put your feet on the floor in the morning.
Manage your morning soreness with these tips.
Visit the Chiropractor
Chiropractors specialize in treating back pain, neck pain, and headaches with a variety of chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractors also address musculoskeletal system injuries and disorders. Whether you have an old sports injury or strained your shoulder picking up a heavy object, chiropractic care can address the issue causing your pain, improving your sleep and your morning stiffness. Continue your treatment plan even when your pain has subsided.
Choose the Right Pillow
Your sleeping position determines the pillow you need. Stomach sleepers need a thin pillow, while side sleepers should use something with more support. Regardless of the way you sleep, your pillow should support the natural curve of your neck and keep your head, neck, and spine aligned. This prevents muscle strain in your neck and shoulders and will make you feel better when you wake up.
Stay Active
Exercise is an important part of overall health. It increases body strength and keeps your joints lubricated. If you have a desk job, walk around for a few minutes every hour to loosen up. Stand up during phone calls, or add extra trips up and down the stairs to take more steps.
Stretch or Meditate Before Bed
Meditation relieves stress, and stretching always feels good. However, relaxing your body and mind before you close your eyes can improve your sleep quality. You are also more likely to sleep longer. Create a simple bedtime stretching routine that also includes some deep breathing. You can also stretch in the morning to loosen your muscles after sleep.
Follow an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Anti-inflammatory diets give you a variety of foods to choose from such as berries, vegetables, and avocados. You can customize your foods while cutting down on refined carbs and sugar. Even wine and dark chocolate can be consumed in moderation and contain properties that fight inflammation. Too much inflammation can cause joint pain.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Raleigh, N.C.