How can stiff and tight muscles result in back pain?
When you move, your brain sends electrical signals to the cells in your muscles, telling them to expand or contract. Likewise, those cells send electrical signals back to your brain when your muscles are damaged or tense. Your brain interprets these signals as pain. Thus, stiff or tight back muscles can result in back pain.
How can I loosen up stiff neck muscles?
Many people can loosen stiff neck muscles with at-home treatments, such as:
- Hot and cold therapy.
- Massage.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers.
You may also try stretching your neck muscles. You may try movements that promote:
- Extension and flexion: Extend your chin toward the sky, then bring your chin to your chest.
- Lateral flexion: Bring your left ear to your left shoulder, hold for a few seconds, then repeat on the other side.
- Rotation: Turn your head from side to side.
Throughout all neck stretches, keep your spine straight and your shoulders away from your ears. You can repeat neck stretches several times a day.
Can untreated muscle stiffness cause more serious problems?
Muscle stiffness doesn’t usually lead to more serious problems, especially with at-home treatment. Without any treatment, stiff neck or back muscles could lead to a pinched nerve. Stretching regularly can help loosen stiff muscles and reduce your risk of a pinched nerve. See a healthcare provider if you have muscle stiffness that doesn’t go away with home treatment. It could be a symptom of something more serious.
What is the difference between muscle stiffness and muscle spasticity?
Muscle stiffness is a feeling of lingering tightness or pain that interferes with your usual activities and movements. Muscle spasticity causes your muscles to tighten involuntarily, a sensation known as a muscle spasm. Spasticity is associated with several chronic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
What is the difference between muscle stiffness and joint stiffness?
Muscle stiffness is soreness or tightness in your muscles, while joint stiffness is a feeling of limited movement or range of motion. People with joint stiffness may be able to move their joint through its full range of motion, but the movement may require force. Joint stiffness is often a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthritis.
What is the difference between muscle stiffness and muscle weakness?
Muscle stiffness feels like pain or a tight sensation in your muscles. Muscle weakness is a lack of strength. Usually, muscle stiffness is short term and goes away with home treatments. Muscle weakness may be due to a lack of exercise. Or it may be a symptom of a chronic condition such as MS or myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
A note from Cleveland Clinic
If you’re dealing with muscle stiffness, you’re not alone. Most people experience acute muscle stiffness at some point in their lives. Nearly 25% experience long-lasting stiffness. But at-home remedies usually provide relief. See your healthcare provider if your muscle stiffness lasts longer than a few days or occurs with other symptoms.
