Best Back Pain Tips & Treatment 2023
![lower back pain relief](https://practicetestgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/lower-back-pain-relief.png)
Back pain might feel like shooting, searing, or stabbing pain in the muscles. It is a key contributor to disability globally and one of the most frequent causes of doctor visits and absences. Back pain can affect anyone, including kids and teenagers. Injury, physical exercise, and various medical problems can also cause it. People of any age might experience back pain for a variety of reasons.
When using computers, adopting a very slumped posture can eventually worsen back and shoulder issues. Poor posture or some common daily activities can also cause back pain. Rarely, back pain may indicate a serious condition like cancer, a fractured bone, or an infection.
An aching or pain anywhere in the back, sometimes even down to the buttocks and legs, is the primary sign of back pain. If back discomfort is the result of misuse or strain, the symptoms are often transient but can continue for several days or even weeks. Chronic back pain is defined as having symptoms for more than three months. If your back pain doesn’t go away within two weeks of starting, consult a doctor. Back discomfort can occasionally be a sign of a serious medical condition.
Free Back Pain Practice Test Online
Top 10 Effective Tips to Relieve Back Pain
Back pain is frequently treatable at home with a little patience. However, anyone experiencing persistent or severe back discomfort should consult a medical expert. Look over these pain-relieving techniques to see which one suits you the best:
- Sleep
Back pain might also get worse with a bad sleeping posture. Consider shifting to your side. Place a pillow between your legs to keep your spine in a neutral position and reduce back pain. Put a pillow between your legs if you must sleep on your back. Make sure your mattress is firm enough to be comfortable.
- Posture
Back pain can be exacerbated by poor posture, especially if you sit for extended periods. Avoid slouching over the keyboard. Maintain a straight back, relaxed shoulders, and a body supported by the chair’s back. Put a pillow or cloth between your lower back and the seat if possible.
- Ice and Heat
Applying ice to your back’s sore spots on a regular basis may help ease discomfort and swelling brought on by an injury. Do this for up to 20 minutes each time, multiple times per day. Change to heat a few days later. To relax your muscles and improve blood flow to the affected area, apply a heating pad or warm pack.
- Arnica
People can use the homeopathic treatment arnica directly to heal minor injuries, bruising, swelling, and muscle soreness. Arnica has a low risk of side effects, and while there isn’t much scientific evidence to support its efficacy, some people could find it useful. When paired with acupuncture and massage, arnica helps reduce the discomfort associated with persistent osteoarthritis.
- Exercise
Exercise may release endorphins, the brain’s natural painkillers, and relax tight muscles. Back discomfort can be relieved with a brief stroll, aerobics, yoga, water aerobics, swimming, or similar low-impact exercise. To keep muscles flexible and strong, a person should think about beginning a daily workout regimen that combines strength training and stretching.
- Massage
Lower back pain may benefit briefly from massage. A person may combine massage with other medical procedures. Techniques like kneading, rubbing, gliding, vibrating, or pounding can be used in soft tissue massage. By releasing endorphins, soft tissue stimulation promotes both physical and mental relaxation. Hands or a mechanical instrument may be used for manipulation.
- Shoes
Lower back pain may be brought on by wearing unsteady shoes, high heels, or ill-fitting footwear. Extremely flat shoe wear also puts stress on the feet and back. Changing to well-fitting shoes can help reduce lower back pain. They ease the tension that standing puts on your back. To properly support their feet, certain persons might require orthotics.
- Diet
Your body will be under more strain if you gain weight. Spinal pain risk may also be increased by added sweets. Caloric intake was comparable to that of individuals who consumed the recommended serving sizes of whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and dairy products. Take action to reduce your weight. That often entails increasing your physical activity level and reducing your calorie intake.
- Stretch
Yoga is a powerful technique to stretch your back, promote the health of your muscles and joints, improve the flow of healing nutrients through your body, and make your spine more flexible. Start the stretches slowly and only increase the difficulty when you are comfortable and experiencing no pain. Early morning is the best time to practice yoga since it can help to loosen your spine and lessen back pain and stiffness.
- Vitamin
Osteoporosis can be avoided by having strong bones. One of the most frequent reasons of back discomfort in later life, especially in women, is this. By getting enough calcium and vitamin D, you can maintain the strength of the bones in your spine. A doctor should always be consulted before using any supplements.
Back Pain Questions and Answers
Constipation causes the intestines to enlarge because of retained feces. Back and abdominal aches may result from this.
- Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees
- Sleep on your side in the fetal position
- Sleep on your stomach with a pillow under your abdomen
- Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees
- Sleep on your back in a reclined position
- Put a pillow between your knees and sleep on your side.
- Lay down in the fetal position on your side.
- Lay a pillow beneath your stomach as you sleep on your stomach.
- Place a pillow beneath your knees while lying on your back.
- Reclined on your back while you sleep
- March immediately (3 minutes) Start by marching in place while raising and lowering your arms in time with your footfalls. Keep your fists open, and your elbows bent.
- Heel digging (60 digs in 60 seconds) Straighten your body while bending your left leg just a little. With the toes pointing up and the heel of the right foot on the ground, place it in front of the torso. Both arms should be extended out in front of you simultaneously.
- Knee raises (30 lifts in 30 seconds) Stand tall with a straight back and firm abs. The right knee is raised to contact the left hand as the left leg is flexed slightly.
- Shoulder rotations (2 sets of 10 repetitions) March is firmly in place with the arms by the sides of the body. Five shoulder rolls are performed forward. Five shoulder rolls are served.
- Knee bending (10 repetitions) You’re in the correct stance with your feet hip-width apart and your arms at your sides. Kneel down and slowly lower your body to a comfortable position. Rise steadily to the starting position.
Some people have compared their back discomfort to severe menstrual cramps, kidney stones, or muscle spasms.
Common symptoms include the desire to urinate frequently, pain during urination, and side or lower back pain.
People with COVID-19 frequently report back discomfort and muscle soreness.
Overuse, muscle strain, injury to the ligaments, discs, and muscles that support your spine, as well as bad posture, are the main causes of upper and middle back pain.
If the protruding hernia rubs against or irritates your spine, it may result in back pain.
Injuries, fractures, bad posture, disk disorders, and other conditions like arthritis can all contribute to upper back pain.
Best Overall – DreamCloud Mattress Best Value – Nectar Mattress Best Lumbar Support – WinkBed Best for Side Sleepers – Helix Midnight Best Luxury – Saatva Classic Best for Spinal Alignment – Nolah Evolution 15 Best for Couples – Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite Best Pressure Relief – Bear Elite Hybrid Best Firm – Plank Firm Luxe Best for Back Sleepers – Level Sleep Mattress
- Ibuprofen, a drug that can be purchased over-the-counter and is included in products like Advil and Motrin, is great for treating low back pain in the short term.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) are other painkillers that work well. Take these exactly as prescribed.
A backache that extends to the chest from a pinched nerve in the neck or upper back can resemble chest pain symptoms.
Although the exact incidence is unknown, IBS patients frequently experience back pain.
- Muscle-loosening exercise Your core can be strengthened with the help of partial crunches, which don’t put too much strain on the area. Exercises including a slow, controlled wall sit may also be beneficial. Consider pelvic tilts, swimming, and successively bringing each knee to the chest throughout repetitions.
- Apply hot and cold remedies You should first apply ice and then heat if your pain is severe. Mild heat should be continuously used if the discomfort is chronic or subacute. Applying ice is a good idea to minimize pain after working out.
- Extend More A knee-to-chest stretch or the yoga pose known as “Child’s Pose” may help relieve lower back pain.
- Buy better footwear One option to ensure optimal mobility and comfort and to get rid of back discomfort is to get orthotic insoles.
- Decrease Stress Consider making a few little changes to your behaviors to lessen stress and lower the likelihood of experiencing discomfort connected to stress. Making time to unwind is essential, and eating healthier foods helps reduce stress.
- Improve Your Sleep Try to sleep on your back and keep your spine neutral. You should switch sides occasionally if you have problems falling asleep anywhere other than on your side.
Injuries, infections, muscle strain, inflammation, and digestive problems are a few potential reasons of this pain.
Specialists in the musculoskeletal system’s healing processes include orthopedic doctors and surgeons.
You should contact a doctor if pain appears abruptly, is severe, such as after an injury (such a fall), and most definitely if pain and other symptoms, such as weakness, get worse over time.
Acid reflux can develop into GERD, which can become chronic if it is not successfully treated. Heartburn is one of the signs of GERD, and it can result in lower back pain.
Diverticulitis commonly causes lower and/or left-sided abdominal pain. The pain is typically intense and ongoing, and it might radiate or seem to migrate to the leg, groin, back, and side.
Ovarian cysts may occasionally result in lower back pain that is painful and dull.
The intensity of pneumonia symptoms varies, but breathing or coughing may cause back, chest, or stomach pain.
Neck and back pain are two frequently disregarded adverse effects of stress.
Heartburn is an additional digestive problem that may cause back pain.
The anus can be the source of the pain, but it can also radiate to the buttocks, upper back, or lower thighs.
Back pain often goes away in a week or two, but if it persists or is persistent, it’s time to contact a spine specialist.
Put the pillow between your knees and slightly raise them toward your chest if you like to sleep on your side. Try placing a cushion under your knees if you prefer to sleep on your back, or roll up a small towel and lay it under the small of your back. Because it puts a lot of strain on your back, avoid sleeping on your stomach.
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Remain hydrated.
- Give up smoking.
- Avert food triggers (these can include citrus, spicy foods, etc.)
- Consume smaller meals.
- When eating, keep your back straight.
- Avoid eating a substantial meal two hours before lying down or going to bed.
- Elevate your head when you sleep.
Use cold therapy if your back pain is severe (lasting less than four weeks) and results from a physical injury. As the body’s temperature is lowered, the blood vessels will constrict, swelling and inflammation will be reduced, and there will be less pain. Use heat therapy when the inflammation has subsided.
Back pain and stomach discomfort tend to go hand in hand, especially when abdominal bloating is present.
12 years of age and older, initially can take 300 mg thrice daily. Your dose may be changed by your doctor if necessary and tolerated. But often, the dosage is limited to 1800 mg per day (600 mg three times per day)
Heat therapy is an excellent way to treat back pain because it increases blood flow. This lets oxygen and nutrients get to joints and muscles.
Chronic lower back pain can be relieved by walking is one of the best things we can do for ourselves.
The spine-supporting muscles, ligaments, and discs being overused, strained, or damaged and bad posture.
Consult your doctor if your back discomfort lasts longer than two weeks and prevents you from engaging in routine activities. You should immediately consult a doctor if you have a fever and severe back pain.
Back discomfort can result from muscle strain, inactivity, posture abnormalities, and other changes brought on by anxiety.
Having back discomfort can make daily activities difficult, and it can also trigger nausea.
Back discomfort from dehydration can result from the gelatinous material inside your discs collapsing due to losing water and the inability to support your body’s weight. This can put pressure on the delicate nerves exiting the spinal column.
Your lower back and abdomen may experience a great deal of pain if you have gallstones in your gallbladder.
A peptic ulcer can induce referred pain in your back.
Lower back pain that radiates to your pelvis area and gets worse while labor is 24 to 48 hours away is possible. Changing positions doesn’t help; regrettably, the discomfort frequently lasts until after delivery.
Sit with back support at the curvature of your back, like a towel rolled up. Maintain a straight angle between your hips and knees. If necessary, use a stool or foot support. The feet should be flat on the floor, while your legs shouldn’t be crossed.
Lower back pain may result from cancers of the colon, rectum, or stomach.
Pain in the upper back might be a warning sign of a heart attack, particularly in women.
Lower right back pain is one of the signs and symptoms of an inflamed, leaky, or ruptured appendix.
It could induce back or stomach pain by radiating from the chest region to the back or abdomen.
In some instances, it results in chronic pain in the lower back and pelvic.
Heat therapy is a helpful treatment for back pain because it stimulates circulation, allowing nutrients and oxygen to reach the joints and muscles.
Although NSAIDs frequently work better for back pain, doctors often advise trying acetaminophen (Tylenol, among others) first because it is easier on the stomach.
It doesn’t cause back pain, but it might aid with chronic neck, knee, and lower back pain.
Your hamstrings get shorter when they are tight. These changes could affect your lower back’s curvature, which would throw off your spine’s natural alignment with your pelvis (hip). In turn, you might have pain or stiffness in your lower back.
You can manage the discomfort until the stones pass by taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or naproxen (Aleve).
Your symptoms worsen when you bend or straighten up from a bent position.
Back pain is a prominent symptom of Omicron, one of the most prevalent SARS-CoV-2 subtypes.
CBD may help with back pain by reducing inflammation, according to research.
Most frequently, a sudden injury to the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine is what causes acute low back pain.
Bloody or black urine, sharp back pain, stomachache, and painful urination are a few of the adverse effects of phentermine
Whether it is warranted or not, back pain at night is now widely recognized in back care as a concerning indicator that could indicate primary or metastatic cancer.
Professional chiropractors adjust the body to enhance alignment, relieve discomfort, and reestablish joint or spine motion. The term for this is spinal adjustment.
Back strain can often be linked to the jaw, base of the skull, and trapezius shoulder muscle rigidity, which can result in more frequent and severe headaches.
Additionally, spreading bladder infections might result in mid-back pain.
Back pain is an associated symptom of ovulation because the increase in progesterone following ovulation can relax the body. As a result, some people may experience ligament laxity and back pain due to shifting in the spine.
Back discomfort and bloating might result from digestive system gas that has become trapped.
Back braces can assist in relieving part of the weight that is often supported by the lower back, which relieves pressure from the spine’s joints, discs, and muscles.
Unsupported positions lead to an inappropriate distribution of the loads on your spine, damaging the tissues in your lower back.
These modifications could affect your lower back’s curvature, which would throw off your spine’s natural alignment with your pelvis. As a result, you can experience pain or just lower back stiffness.
Just two pills can provide all-day relief from back and muscle discomfort.
Prednisone typically takes one to four days to take effect.
While traditional Swedish and deep tissue massages are beneficial for treating back pain, Shiatsu massage is a particularly successful method for treating lower back discomfort.
You can use either 2 or 4 electrode pads, depending on how big the area of pain is that you are treating. Use two electrodes if your lower back pain is only on one side. Put one pad at the pain’s highest point and another below it (about 1 inch apart). Instead of placing the pads directly on your backbones, try placing them on the muscle.
A popliteal cyst (Baker’s cyst) and a posterior cruciate ligament injury are two common conditions that produce pain behind the knee.
Upper back pain may be from improper posture, an accident, or issues with the spine. Muscle strain is a typical contributor to discomfort between the shoulder blades.
Your limbs will be moved by the chiropractor in order to stretch your muscles and encourage joint release, which produces the popping or cracking sound.
Back discomfort from a cancerous spinal tumor often develops slowly and worsens with time. It does not get better with sleep and can get worse at night. Severe or shock-like pain in the upper or lower back may also spread to the legs, chest, or other body parts flares up.
People describe it as a dull pain that penetrates them deeply. It may start in the lower abdomen and move up to the back. Lying down worsens discomfort, whereas sitting up straight makes it go away.
The typical symptoms of a pilonidal cyst are low back discomfort that is severe, acute, and that worsens when you sit down.Â
Discomfort in the lower back could be brought on by a yeast infection.
Back pain is not a common sign of breast cancer.
Back pain can occasionally be brought on by persistent coughing. Coughing can strain the back and cause it to contract more forcefully than usual.
The initial stage of genital herpes can be quite painful and also bring on a fever, body aches, and exhaustion.
Back pain and frequent urination can both be symptoms of kidney disease. Your kidneys may cause any back pain along your side or in the small of your back.
Prior to the onset of shingles, patients may have back pain in the lumbar spine.
Back pain, for example, can be relieved with Voltaren Emulgel by reducing localized traumatic inflammation and pain.
Ibuprofen is a fantastic drug for relieving low back pain temporarily.
It’s one of the better methods for easing low back discomfort.
Lumbar epidural steroid injections usually provide three-month or longer pain relief.
Effects can last up to 6 hours.
- Warm-up before the workout
- Choose the right squat variation
- Strengthen your lower back muscles
- Rethink your workout
- Stretch after exercising
When sitting, support your back using maternity pillows. Rest, especially in late pregnancy. Have a massage or warm bath. Put the hardboard under a soft mattress to make it stiffer.
Aleve eases back discomfort when used as indicated.
Indica is better because it reduces muscle spasms and relieves pain.
Acute back discomfort can signal labor, whether or not you’re in back labor.
This causes mild, moderate, or severe lower back discomfort.
A dull aching in the lower back and thighs
Back pain with Xarelto could indicate a spinal blood clot.
Statistically substantial numbers of people with persistent low back pain slept better on Sleep Number beds.
A recent review of 22 acupuncture research found it relieved persistent back pain.
A rare, deadly medical disease known as abdominal aortic aneurysm can cause lower back pain that extends to the front abdomen.
Approximately 80% of adults have low back pain at some point, and diarrhea can sneak up on anyone.
When the sciatic nerve is injured or compressed, lower back, hip, buttocks, and leg pain can result.
Back pain might stem from poorly-fitting shoes.
Being overweight is a major cause of back discomfort, especially in the lower back.
Bloating may make you uncomfortable and sore, especially in your back.
Ice or Heat for Back Pain
For most lower back pain conditions, topical ice or heat therapy can provide a surprising amount of pain relief. However, each treatment is different and performs best in certain circumstances. Heat and/or cold therapy is effective as primary or supplementary therapy, but because it is straightforward, affordable, and easily accessible, many individuals fail to take advantage of it. They are pain-relieving methods that may be carried out from the comfort of your home and are simple, secure, affordable, and ecologically friendly. Heat is used to manage the discomfort and stress associated with muscle damage, whereas ice is used to treat an injury.
![lower back pain causes](https://practicetestgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/lower-back-pain-causes.jpg)
Back Pain and Nausea
Back pain is a common condition that can vary in nature and severity. It might be either mild and painful or severe and stabbing. When you feel nauseous, you want to throw up. Frequently, back pain and nausea coexist. Frequently, back discomfort from digestive or intestinal problems might radiate. This could happen if you have biliary colic, a condition when gallstones block the gallbladder. Back pain and nausea have several common causes, including:
Liver health problems
Kidney stones or kidney infection
Diverticular disease
Food poisoning
Pancreatitis
Ulcer
Back Pain When Coughing
Some people’s lower back discomfort may get worse when they cough, but for others, lower back pain may only become apparent when they cough. When your upper body moves, such as when you cough, your back moves the most. Your torso may slouch forward, and your shoulders may tense up while you cough. You could have pain when you cough because coughing alters the position of your body. Coughing can strain the back and cause it to contract more forcefully than usual. When coughing isn’t persistent, the pain is typically brought on by a back problem.
Causes of Upper Back Pain
Anywhere between the base of the neck and the bottom of the rib cage can experience upper back pain. The thoracic spine refers to your upper and middle back. Compared to the neck or low back discomfort, upper back pain is less frequent. This is due to the fact that the bones in your neck and lower back move and flex more freely than those in the upper part of your back. The following are some typical habits and activities that can result in upper back pain:
- Bad posture
- Twisting
- Misuse of muscles
- Accident
- Arthritis
- Disk issue
- Lifting incorrectly
Injections for Back Pain
Your doctor will evaluate all available options for treating your back pain, including medication, physical therapy, and exercise. Injections to reduce your back pain and inflammation may be a part of it. These shots typically contain a steroid and an anesthetic. Injections come in a variety of forms, including:
- Nerve block
- Discography
- Epidural
Best Recliners for Back Pain
Recliners are the greatest for treating disorders like GERD, heartburn, acid reflux, neck discomfort, breathing difficulties, aching muscles, and even conditions like back pain. Recliner chairs can be useful in a variety of additional ways in addition to offering immediate relaxation and back pain alleviation. According to some experts, people who must sit for extended periods of time may experience less back pain when they adopt the off-loading sitting posture. Understanding a recliner’s operation is crucial if you want to comprehend its usefulness, features, workings, and cost for various models. The greatest recliners for back pain are listed below:
- Novus Zero Gravity Recliner Chair
- JUMMICO Fabric Recliner Chair
- FDW Wingback Recliner Chair
- RelaxZen Leisure Recliner Chair
- Homall Recliner Chair Padded Seat PU Leather
- Esright Massage Recliner Chair
- Magic Union Power Lift Massage Recliner
- Baby Relax Mikayla Swivel Gliding Recliner
- EVER ADVANCED Zero Gravity Recliner Chair
- Vitesse Gaming Recliner Chair
Lower Back Pain Squats
Squats, an exercise that targets a particular group of muscles that includes the glutes, thighs, hips, calves, and legs, are a common component of traditional workout regimens. Squatting is unlikely to cause harm when done correctly. The spine, however, is the joint most susceptible to injury when squatting, so you might feel discomfort here. You perform squats incorrectly if they cause pain in your joints and muscles. The following are typical causes of lower back pain that occur when squatting down:
- Excessive pressure
- Lower back issue suffered in the past
- Your approach is improper
- Pulled muscle
- Weak abdominal or lateral muscles
- There is insufficient hip mobility
Vertebrogenic Low Back Pain
Damage to vertebral endplates, which act as the disc’s contact with the vertebral body, results in chronic low back pain called vertebrogenic pains. Using MRI, medical professionals search for Modic alterations, which are particular changes associated with endplate inflammation, to determine whether a patient has vertebrogenic pain. Chronic low back discomfort is notoriously difficult to pinpoint the source of. The intervertebral discs in the spine are the typical suspects, but if disc-related treatments are ineffective, there may be another issue at hand.
Essential Oils for Back Pain
Some plants’ leaves, seeds, flowers, fruits, and bark can all be used to make essential oils. Aromatherapy uses essential oils, or they can be diluted and administered topically. Clinical studies have demonstrated that several of these oils can treat several health issues, including pain. If used properly, essential oils for back pain could be a useful supplemental therapy. The best essential oils for back pain are listed below:
- Peppermint oil
- Lavender
- Rosemary Essential Oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Roman Chamomile
- Frankincense Essential Oil
- Wintergreen oil
- Chamomile oil
- Sandalwood oil
- Turmeric oil
Stem Cell Therapy for Back Pain
Modern outpatient stem cell therapy uses the body’s innate ability to mend to repair damaged tissue, speed up the healing of wounds, and reduce pain. With a quicker recovery period than surgical treatments, stem cell therapy increases function and mobility by treating the underlying cause of pain without needing drugs or surgery. Regenerative therapy, such as stem cell therapy for back pain, aids the degenerating intervertebral discs in their self-repair. The first back pain treatment that reduces pain and aids in the healing of damaged tissue is stem cell therapy.
Urgent Care for Back Pain
According to statistics, the second most frequent reason for a doctor’s visit in the US is lower back discomfort. The extent of your injury will determine whether your back discomfort needs medical attention. You can get relief for your back discomfort at an urgent care center. To determine how severe your back pain is, facilities like those that are a member of UrgentMED can take x-rays of your c-spine, l-spine, and t-spine. The following are indications that you may require immediate attention for your back pain:
- Leg Deficiency
- Crippling pain
- Tingling or numbness
- Incontinence
- Internal Pain
- Unexpected Pain That Remains
Can Dehydration Cause Back Pain
When the gelatinous substance inside your discs loses water and is unable to support the weight of your body, the disc collapses, which can put pressure on the delicate nerves exiting the spinal column. This is how dehydration can cause back pain. Your spinal discs cannot adequately support and protect your spine if they are dehydrated. Every two vertebrae of the spine are separated by these jelly-like discs, which protect the spine by absorbing much of the shock from normal movement. Our spinal discs’ ability to heal slower when we don’t drink enough water, which can lead to vertebral wear and strain. Dehydration may lead to serious issues if your job or way of life puts too much strain on your back.
Discogenic Back Pain
Intervertebral discs that have been injured mechanically or chemically are the source of discogenic pain, a type of low back pain. Traumatic experiences or aging-related decline may be the cause of this damage. According to one theory, this discomfort develops when inflammation or other factors irritate nerve receptors in the annulus’ outer region. A throbbing ache in your back is the primary sign of discogenic pain. Contrary to many other types of back pain, discogenic back pain does not affect your ability to utilize your limbs or refer to your leg or arm.
How can Stiff and Tight Muscles Result in Back Pain
Your lower back will frequently feel tight and stiff, which might impact your core. Since these muscles control practically everything, knowing how tight and stiff muscles can cause back pain may help you avoid discomfort. Sometimes weak muscles cause muscle tension and stiffness. This means that in order to build them, you must cause them to grow and shrink throughout the day. The easiest way to achieve this is by including physical exercise in your daily routine.