The Back Story
The Back Story is your source for the latest in health, wellness and medical care for you and your entire family. Dr. Jaspal Ricky Singh M.D. and the world-renowned physicians at Weill Cornell Medicine, join forces with an expanded network of experts to bring in-depth conversations covering medical research, trending topics and wellness. Our podcast is a trusted source of information for medical care, combined with real patient experiences and the latest breakthroughs in medicine.
The Back Story
The Morning Stiffness Mystery: A Medical Deep Dive
What Is Morning Stiffness, Anyway?
Morning stiffness is that tight, achy, or creaky feeling in your joints and muscles when you first wake up. It’s most noticeable in the back, neck, hips, knees, and fingers. The stiffness usually eases within 30 minutes—but in some conditions, it can last hours.
Pro Tips for Waking Up Without Stiffness
- Stretch in bed before you get up—ankle pumps, knee-to-chest, cat-cow
- Hydrate before your coffee
- Walk for 5 minutes before sitting down in the morning
- Try evening yoga (lowers inflammation and improves sleep posture)
- Use contrast showers (alternating hot/cold water) to improve circulation
Singh Snapshot: Don’t Just Live With It
Morning stiffness might feel like a part of aging or stress, but it’s not something you have to accept. Whether it’s optimizing your anti-inflammatory routine, upgrading your sleep setup, or seeking help for an underlying condition, there is a path to feeling better when the sun comes up.
Final Takeaways
- Morning stiffness is a multi-factorial biomechanical and biochemical phenomenon.
- It’s not just about age or arthritis—everyone can benefit from optimizing mobility.
- Incorporating a simple 5–10 minute morning routine can drastically reduce stiffness, improve energy, and boost mental clarity.