Truth or Myth? Bed rest isn’t the best remedy for back problems

For many, bed rest seems like the simplest way to cure back pain. A few days’ rest, and it’ll be fine. But actually, this is a myth.

Bed rest was first advised in the 1720’s and was gradually doubted ever since. Whilst it should not be ruled out completely as some back problems, such as sciatica do require a temporary limiting of mobility, it should be restricted to 2 days maximum.

Feeling like you should lay down to stop the discomfort is a fearful emotional response to the pain. It is this fear that can actually exacerbate the pain by causing people to move differently by way of protection. For example, limping when you have an ankle injury or slouching if your back aches. These abnormal movements will only serve to increase tensions elsewhere and cause you further pain and discomfort.

Long periods of lying down causes a small list of negative outcomes. Firstly, lying down does work to temporarily stop back pain, however this is due to the muscles loosening. If the muscles continue loosened for more than 2 days, they start to lose condition and weaken. Then when you wish to be mobile again, your back will be in worse condition than before the bed rest began and will cause you more discomfort and pain.

The continued immobility also causes joints to stiffen which can work the muscles harder when movement occurs – again causing additional pain.

Frequent movement is necessary as the spine uses this mobility to move the nutrients throughout the spine. This means that limiting movement can only serve to limit nutrients, which will slow the healing process.

By simply resting, your body will not heal the problem, only the symptoms will be temporarily reduced which is not very purposeful. It has been noted that 80% of back pain will settle within 6 weeks if you aim for simply reducing the pain to a point that allows for you to follow your normal daily routine. Whilst the pain will still be apparent, it will go down as your body heals itself and grows stronger.

Since the best way to cure back pain is to keep mobile, staying at home watching afternoon TV on the sofa is not the best way to combat the problem. In most cases, once the acute pain subsides, going back to work is actually better for the sufferer than staying at home for lengthy periods. Many employers would be happy to agree a phased return to work or make adjustments to your role to avoid heavy lifting or other tasks that are strenuous for the back. It’s important to take regular breaks to stretch or to move around especially if you work at a desk or a fixed workstation.

It is important to note that movement should not be increased to levels higher than normal – this can cause further problems with over working the muscles and joints. Movement should be kept to within your personal daily limits as that is what your body is used to – what it is equipped for. Your body will let you know if movement is excessive by spasming. Spasms are your muscles contracting without control to try and limit the movement imposed on them. If this occurs, simply lessen the movement. Do not rest completely.

If you have employees with frequent back pain or if their job naturally increases the risk of back pain or injury, please get in touch with Honeydew to discuss options for Occupational Health. Having medical practitioners working closely with your company will reduce the risks of injury and long term illness.