Bed Rest for Back Pain?
If you’re experiencing back pain, you’re likely wanting to take it easy and rest in bed. Is this the right solution to your back pain? Could it make your back pain worse over time? Read our post on the topic to gain a better understanding of why too much bed rest for back pain can do more harm than good.
A Little Bed Rest is Okay
Bed rest for back pain may relieve initial symptoms when you’re first experiencing some back pain, so feel free to rest up the first week you’re experiencing mild to moderate back pain. Beyond the first week, you’ll want to begin incorporating regular movement and activities to prevent worsening of symptoms over time.
A Lot of Bed Rest is Not Okay
Laying in bed for nearly the entire day due to back pain can do more harm than good in some cases. Think about the last time you spent the whole day in bed due to sickness or just wanting to laze about for the afternoon; you were quite stiff and uncomfortable after a few hours, right? We’re sure you answered “yes…”. Now imagine how you may feel if your back pain is present, and you then spend upwards of 24 hours straight in bed. You’re likely going to feel the same level of stiffness and uncomfortable feelings, except now it'[s paired with your back pain. Not good, right?
No More Than a Few Hours of Bed Rest Past Sleeping Hours at a Time
If you’re looking to prevent a further worsening of your back pain, it’s advised to not lay in bed for more than a few hours at a time once you’ve had your full night’s rest. It may be tempting to indulge in a restful nap in your comfy bed, yet it may exacerbate your back pain symptoms. Try to maintain light, natural movements throughout the day to promote blood flow and healing over time.
New Problems May Develop Over Time with Prolonged Bed Rest
With prolonged bed rest, your body is not doing what it’s supposed to do: move. The last thing you want to have to deal with when you’re recovering from back pain is muscle weakness or muscle atrophy. New problems may develop over time if you choose your bed over healthy movement for the majority of the day. Bed sores, muscle cramps, stiffness, etc… may all become very real problems for you if you don’t move here and there as you recover from your back pain.
Potential Negative Mental Effects of Too Much Bed Rest
Staying in bed all day can take a toll on our mental health. It’s good to be outside amongst the real world and socialize. If you’re cooped up in your bedroom all day, every day; you’ll likely find you’re missing out on the fun everyone else is having. Yes, it’s important to recover and rest when needed, but if you’re simply laying in bed, not moving whatsoever, you may find yourself in a weird state of mind. Go outside, walk around a park, and embrace the natural beauty of life.
Returning to Normal Activities, With Rest, is Beneficial in Many Cases
Attempting to return to your normal, daily activities is beneficial in many cases. Don’t rush into things and overdo it and you should be okay. The body is made to move. Returning to a lighter, milder version of your previous daily activities will likely benefit your overall recovery process in the long run.
Choose Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants for Your Back Pain
If you’re experiencing chronic back pain and bed rest doesn’t seem to be helping, you’ll want to contact us using the form below. We look forward to hearing from you and we’re eager to begin helping you on your journey towards achieving health and wellness once again!
DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.