Back stiffness can be caused by overuse of back muscles, lack of conditioning of core muscles, arthritis, traumatic injury, and poor posture. Arthritis sufferers can manage pain with anti-inflammatory medication, stretching, exercising, and applying ice or heat. Herniated discs and muscle strains can also cause stiffness and require rest and icing to heal.
A stiff back can be caused by overuse of the back muscles, a lack of conditioning of the core muscles that support the spine, arthritis, traumatic injury, and many other conditions that can affect back function. Poor posture can also cause back stiffness and people who sit at a desk all day at work are very susceptible to back pain and discomfort. Using an ergonomic chair and improving your posture can often help relieve back pain and even relieve pain elsewhere in the body.
A common cause of back stiffness is arthritis, which occurs when the ligaments and cartilage in a joint begin to wear down, leading to inflammation and excessive motion in the joint. Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body, although it is particularly common in the knees, hips and back. There is no cure for arthritis, so pain management techniques are used for arthritis sufferers. These techniques may include taking anti-inflammatory medications, stretching regularly, exercising regularly, and applying ice or heat to the affected area. If an arthritis sufferer experiences back stiffness on a regular basis, they should make sure they get up from a sitting position and move around regularly to keep joint motion functioning properly.
A herniated disc in the spine can also lead to a stiff back, especially if that herniated disc leads to other conditions such as sciatica. A herniated disc occurs when a spinal disc that sits between two vertebrae swells, putting pressure on the nerves surrounding the spine. This can lead to nerve pain throughout the area of the body served by that nerve and can affect how the spine moves during daily movements. Impaired movements of the spine can lead to stiffness or muscle soreness, which in turn can lead to stiffness in the back.
Overuse of the back muscles can also lead to pain and stiffness. When muscles get tired, they tend to stiffen, which can lead to discomfort. Tight muscles are also more likely to injure, as they can tear, leading to a muscle strain or tear. Muscle strains can lead to a stiff back and require adequate rest and icing to heal properly. This recovery period can take a few days or a few weeks, depending on the severity of the muscular effort.
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