Stiffness

Stiffness

Stiffness is a common physical problem that can affect the muscles, joints, spine, or other parts of the body. It may make movement feel restricted, uncomfortable, or difficult, particularly after periods of rest, prolonged sitting, injury, surgery, reduced activity, or certain musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.

Stiffness can affect people of all ages and may occur in the neck, shoulders, back, hips, knees, ankles, wrists, or other joints. It can range from mild tightness to significant restriction that interferes with everyday activities.

What Is Stiffness

Stiffness refers to a feeling of restricted or difficult movement. A person may feel that a joint or body part does not move as freely as it normally does.

Stiffness can occur temporarily after sleeping or remaining in one position for a long period, or it may persist because of injury, joint problems, muscle tightness, reduced mobility, or other conditions.