Why Muscles Get Sore Articles | Nutrition

By: Darren Williger

As we get older our bodies change and a lot of that change effects our muscles and joints.  There is sometimes stiffening and soreness, some of this due to years of use, but some is caused by not using them enough.  The pain from stiff joints and bones, is not actually in the bones but in the muscles and connective tissue found around the bones and joints.  This pain is because of a lack of exercise, lack of stretching, and a tightness that is now forming and shortening the muscles around the bones.  This shortening is making it harder for the bones to move and may even be rubbing them against each other, causing the main with movement and activities.

Being able to bend over easily and without tons of pain or effort is important.  The strength required to flex joints is minimal, but can seem like a  lot when the muscles have not been used properly.  There of course will always be factors that will limit particular muscles and joints from moving or if there are any injuries or illness.  However, with any injury or illness once the person is healed typically doctors want them to begin some sort of physical therapy to get their muscles working again and to get back in shape.  The best way to fully recover from any injury or illness is to get moving again, get the blood flowing, and moving and working those muscles. 

Like anything, the less our muscles are used, the harder it becomes to use them.  Conversely though, when we over use them, do not work out or exercise properly, work too long, or are not safe while working or playing a sport we can also end up with sore muscles.  Some of this is due to the fact that our muscles have become tires and we may not being eating enough or eating the right foods keep them working for that long.  Also, if they are not used to working in that way they will become tires and sore from all the new movement created. The good news is though that as you keep working your  muscles in this way they will become used to it  over time and the pain will subside. You should still be careful and pay attention to what your body is telling you.  Giving yourself time to re-cooperate and rest the muscles is just as important.  Going and going is not good for anyone and will cause fatigue and possibly injury.  Realizing there has to be a balance to everything is important and that holds true even with working out and staying in shape.

As already discussed there are a few different reasons for sore muscles and a few others below that have not been talked about and they are:

• As already stated too much exercise and exertion will cause muscles aches and pains.  This due to stretching your muscles farther than normal.  Small tears are made and as our body recovers from these tears, the muscles grow larger as they repair themselves.  The soreness is from this repairing that is happening.  It is our bodies way of letting us know just how far to go and when to stop and take a rest.
• With age and/or inactivity there will come muscle soreness and stiffness.  Not using our muscles and allowing them to sit, will make them stiff because they will begin to shorten and we will be losing muscle.  Muscle helps protect our bones and joints and without it we have exposed out bones and joints to the possibility of rubbing improperly and having nothing to protect them against falls and injuries.
• Along with this is the immobility some people have due to again illness or injury that will then lead to further muscle soreness and stiffness.
• There is also a spasm theory that doctors have looked at that some people's muscles spasm causing pain and leading to not wanting to move or exercise due to the pain  felt whenever they try.  Muscles that are spasming have electrical activity even when resting, causing pain.

Always working towards improving your muscles, joints, flexibility, and strength will always make you look and feel better.  Allowing your muscles to become inactive will only worsen any condition you have, not improve it.  As painful as it may be at times to slowly start exercising and getting in shape it will be well worth it in the long run.  Leading to less pain over time, stronger muscles, more flexibility, and improved health.