Why Bed Rest Isn’t the Best Solution for Back Pain
Back pain is a common ailment shared by many around the globe. In fact, 619 million people worldwide reported experiencing back pain in 2020. If you’re feeling discomfort, it can be tempting to lay low in hopes that bed rest will speed up the healing process. However, bed rest might be causing your lower back pain — or at least, prolonging it. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternative solutions you can try to find lasting relief.
Understanding Back Pain
A few common causes of back pain include:
- Muscle strain
- Ruptured or bulging disks
- Poor posture
- Herniated discs
- Injury
- Scoliosis
There are two types of back pain: acute and chronic. Acute pain often stems from a specific incident or injury. It typically starts suddenly and improves quickly. Back pain is usually considered chronic if it lasts longer than three to six months. The pain may be constant or can also come and go.
You may notice symptoms ranging from sharp shooting sensations to dull muscle aches. Other common symptoms include limited range of motion and an inability to stand or sit up straight without pain.
The Myth of Bed Rest
Bed rest is an age-old prescription for back pain, and it’s easy to understand why. If you’re feeling any discomfort from a fresh injury, taking it easy can help you avoid excess strain. With advanced modern medical knowledge, however, it’s now widely agreed that prolonged bed rest isn’t the best solution for back pain.
Instead, current medical guidelines recommend starting with a range of non-surgical interventions, like massage and exercise therapies, to pursue pain relief.
Negative Effects of Prolonged Bed Rest
Does bed rest help or hurt your back pain? Inactivity can actually hinder your healing process. Lying down for a long duration with minimal physical activity may have negative physical effects on the body, including weakening the muscles stabilizing your spine, altering the curve of your lower spine and causing swelling in your intervertebral discs. This combination of side effects can weaken your back and increase your risk of further injuries.
Additionally, a lack of movement can lower your muscle flexibility, causing stiffness and added discomfort.
Bed rest also comes with psychological effects. While a day or two of laying low may feel like a much-needed break, longer periods of bed rest can leave you feeling isolated and lonely and at a higher risk of becoming depressed.
Alternative Solutions to Bed Rest
If you’re experiencing worsening back pain due to bed rest, consider another strategy. Staying active is a powerful natural treatment, as it strengthens your muscles and improves flexibility. Effective low-impact exercises include:
- Swimming
- Yoga
- Walking
- Lifting light weights
- Stretching
Feeling severe or ongoing pain that makes it difficult to exercise? Consider working with a physical therapist. Experts can guide you through customized exercises and stretches targeting specific pain points and support your progress over time.
Pain Management Techniques
There are several popular pain management techniques you can use to mitigate your symptoms and maintain a high quality of life:
- Medications: Check with your healthcare provider about the best over-the-counter and prescription medications for your situation.
- Heat and cold therapy: Using a combination of ice to numb the pain and heat to relax tense muscles is an effective pain relief method. Try applying heat for 15-20 minutes, waiting a few hours, then using ice for 15-20 minutes.
- Mind-body approaches: Calming activities like meditation and yoga can help soothe your mind and loosen your body, relieving tension and strain.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re noticing any of the following signs, it’s time to check in with your local healthcare provider:
- Ongoing pain that lasts several weeks
- Severe pain that isn’t improving with time and rest
- Pain that is spreading down one or both of your legs
- Weakness, tingling or numbness in your legs
- Unexplained weight loss
- New bowel or bladder problems
- Fever
They may suggest one of the following treatment options, in addition to medication and physical therapy:
- Chiropractic care
- Endoscopic surgery
- Neuromodulation
- Regenerative injections
- Surgery
At Spine Institute of North America, we offer several treatment types to support patients through the physical and emotional impact of chronic back pain.
Learn More About Back Pain Relief Methods With Spine Institute of North America
Experiencing ongoing back pain that’s impacting your quality of life? At Spine Institute of North America, our trusted providers are committed to relieving your pain and reviving your life through the least invasive procedures possible. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a spine specialist.
