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Bed rest, once a common approach to treating back pain, is now recognized to have a limited role in the healing process. While short periods of bed rest can provide relief for severe pain, excessive bed rest may exacerbate back pain. Here’s how to approach bed rest effectively:
1. Limit Duration: Restrict the time spent lying down to a few hours at a stretch, and avoid extended bed rest for more than a day or two.
2. Comfortable Positions: Utilize a bed or sofa in any comfortable position. To alleviate back strain, consider placing pillows under your head and between your knees when lying on your side, under your knees when lying on your back, or under your hips when lying on your stomach. These positions help reduce the forces acting on the back, including pressure on discs, ligaments, and muscles.
3. Caution Against Prolonged Rest: Extended bed rest is not beneficial for moderate back strain at any stage of therapy. While short-term relief may be experienced, prolonged bed rest can lead to muscle deconditioning, digestive issues like constipation, and an increased risk of blood clots in the pelvic and leg veins. Moreover, it can negatively impact mental health, leading to depression, physical weakness, and a sense of malaise.
4. Early Return to Activities: Well-designed clinical trials suggest that an early return to normal activities, with appropriate rest as needed, is more beneficial than prolonged bed rest. This approach promotes better overall outcomes and helps prevent complications associated with extended inactivity.
