こわばり

noun

stiffness; tightness

Refers to physical stiffness or tightness, often of muscles or the body, or a tense, rigid state. Commonly used in expressions like こわばりが取れる (the stiffness goes away).

• 肩かたのこわばりがひどくて、首くびが回まわらない。

  The stiffness in my shoulders is so bad I can't turn my neck.

• 緊きん張ちょうで顔かおのこわばりが取とれなかった。

  I couldn't get rid of the tightness in my face from nervousness.