Gently Relieve Stiff Joints in the Morning
Finding ways to relieve stiff joints in the morning could be the difference between a good or really bad day. For those who suffer from chronic pain from stiff, sore joints, waking up refreshed and ready for the day, or sometimes even just getting out of bed can seem like a tall task.
Illness, age, and general health can all impact our bodies, and it’s estimated that 20.3million people in the UK suffer from some form of musculoskeletal condition.
We’ve detailed a few simple ways below to help reduce pain and inflammation, many of which you can do first thing, whilst still in bed.
Get a Good Sleep
When we have broken sleep, our brain and spinal cord can process pain sensations abnormally. Having a restful night’s sleep allows our bodies to repair small muscle tears and heal from the inside.
It’s recommended that adults get between 7 and 9 hours every night, so ensure you give yourself plenty of time to wind down in the evening before dozing off. A good nighttime routine before bed could help to induce a deeper, more restful sleep.
Try to include a relaxing sleep aid like a lavender pillow spray, calming sleep music, switching off the screens an hour before bed, and creating a cool, calm sleep space.
Take Your Medication
Medication for pain and inflammation is best taken around an hour before getting up. It’s important to plan ahead and prepare your medication, a nice glass of water, and a few crackers on your bedside.
Setting an alarm to take these an hour or so before you’d normally get up means you can relax, or get some more shut-eye whilst they really get to work.
Simple Stretches
Simple stretches before bed and when you wake up in the morning can increase blood flow and in turn, increase flexibility and relieve pain. Whilst in bed, try lying on your back and stretching your upper body, neck, arms, and shoulders before moving down to hips, knees, ankles, and feet. There’s lots of fantastic information on the different stretches you can try online.
Watch a simple Back Pain Relief Stretch video below
Read the blog on Natural Remedies to Relieve Lower Back Pain HERE
Bring the Heat
A nice warm shower or bath is one of the most effective ways to treat pain and stiffness as heat helps reduce inflammatory chemicals in your joints. Adding a few healthy scoops of our Nettle Joint & Muscle Soothe Bath Salts will further relax muscles and joints, thanks to the fabulous blend of Epsom Salt, Himalayan Pink Salt, and Dead Sea Salt.
Microwaveable heat bags, hot water bottles, and electric blankets are also great ways to warm a painful area and increase blood flow.
Massage
Similar to stretching, gentle massage using oil or lotion helps reduce inflammation by improving circulation. Massage the affected area with a warming balm, like Nettle Joint Pain Balm for added benefit.
100% natural balm is made with nettle-infused olive oil and added peppermint and frankincense essential oils to ease stiffness and soothe painful joints and muscles.
Several studies have also found that massage lowers the body’s production of the stress hormone cortisol as well as reduces blood pressure and increases serotonin.
Fuel your Body
A diet high in sugar, processed food, fried food, and alcohol can actually cause increased joint pain. Reducing your intake of these can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall health.
Inflammatory foods like nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and aubergines) can also exacerbate existing inflammation.
Colorful, fresh fruit and vegetables, lentils, nuts and seeds, and oily fish are all great foods – add these to your breakfast spread to naturally relieve stiff joints in the morning.
Get Moving
As well as simple stretches, walking, yoga and swimming are all low-impact exercises that can make a massive difference to our bodies and overall health. Whilst it can sometimes be difficult to find the motivation, many of these can be done in the comfort of your own home. Incorporate some movement in your day to keep the joints moving, and oxygenating the muscles.
Would you find this helpful?
It’s not easy living with chronic pain or discomfort, often it’s simple things that can have a big impact on our day-to-day lives.
We’ve given you 7 ways to relieve stiff joints in the morning, often the most uncomfortable time of the day. I hope these have been helpful – do you have any more to add?
if you liked this blog post, you may also like to read more about reducing inflammation in the body – like the blog post 7 Best Foods to Relieve Joint Pain
