Both joint and muscle pain are often blamed on various factors such as ageing, injury or changes in weather. However in most of the cases the real cause mainly lies much closer to daily life. General practices like long sitting hours, poor posture, lack of movement, excess level of scree time, stress and even disturbed sleep pattern can quietly contribute to body pain.
In todays time both joint and muscle is no longer limited to elderly people . Students, working professionals, and physically active individuals are also reporting frequent pain in neck, back pain, discomfort in knee, shoulder stiffness and muscle fatigue as well. This indicates that lifestyle has become one of the biggest hidden triggers behind any Musco skeletal problems.
Sitting for Long Hours Can Strain the Body
One of the most common causes of any joint or muscle pain is prolonged sitting. People who works on laptops, desktop for long hours usually sit in same position without any break. This ultimately puts pressure on the neck, shoulders, lower back and hips.
Poor posture during sitting can further increase the strain on muscles. Bending neck in forward direction while using a mobile phone or laptop can even lead to pain and muscle tightness. With the passage of time, this can impact spinal alignment and cause continuous episodes of discomfort.
Lack of Movement Weakens Muscle
The human body is completely designed for movement. When there is a reduction in physical activity, muscle becomes weak, and joint lose flexibility. Muscles which are weak are not able to support joints in proper way, which can ultimately increase the risk of stiffness and injury.
A sedentary kind of lifestyle can even contribute to gain in weight. Excess body weight places additional pressure on some weight bearing joints such as knees, hips and lower back. This can make existing pain even worse, and may increase the risk of early joint degeneration.
Stress and Poor Sleep Also Play a Role
Most of the people do not realise that stress can indirectly impact muscles. During stress the body remains in tense condition, which can even lead to tightness in neck, shoulders and back. Chronic type of stress may also increase pain related sensitivity, making mild discomfort feel more severe. Poor sleep is another significant factors in the same since During rest, the body repairs muscles and tissues.
When Should You Consult a Doctor?
After exertion occasional pain may settle with complete rest. However, persistent level of pain should not be untreated. If both joints and muscle pain lasts for more than few days, keeps returning, affects walking, daily activities or is linked with swelling, stiffness, then medical consultation is important. Early medical evaluation is very much important in order to analyse that what is the real reason behind pain. It can be due to posture, deficiency of vitamins, or due to any other condition. Timely medical treatment can prevent problem before it becomes more severe.
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