A member asked:

Is bed rest the best thing for back pain?

7 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

Not really: For acute back pain, bed rest can help. I do not recommend more than 24-36 hour of bedrest, since prolonged bedrest has its own complications (blood clot, pnuemonia, sores, bone mass loss, etc.). After a short course of bedrest, progressive increases in daily ambulation is recommended. A doctor visit may also be helpful.

Answered 7/2/2015

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No: A study showed that bed rest is the worst thing for back pain. 2 groups, one was on bed rest the other staid moderately active. The bed rest group got worse.

Answered 6/10/2013

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Bad idea: Repetitive studies have shown that immobilization for low back pain prolongs and exacerbates the problem and winds up with more disability. In fact, both exercise and chiropractic care was shown far superior in one long-term study.

Answered 3/22/2013

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