How long should you rest after back pain?

Bed rest is usually considered an efficient treatment for acute low back pain. However, the optimal duration of bed rest is still being discussed. The recommended periods vary from 2 days to 2 weeks.

Does resting make back pain worse?

Resting longer than 48 hours causes muscle atrophy, which can often lead to a muscle spasm and increased weakening of the back muscles. Light activity like walking, swimming, or spending some time on an elliptical trainer can actually speed up the healing process.

Should I keep working with back pain?

Dealing with back pain Sometimes the pain can make you miserable but you should still take control of the pain. In the early stages: avoid bed rest – prolonged bed rest is harmful. stay active (including work) – your back is designed for movement so the sooner you start doing your ordinary activities the better.

What is the fastest way to recover from lower back pain?

To speed the healing, you should:

1. Ice your back to reduce pain and swelling as soon as you injure yourself.
2. Apply heat to your back — but only after 2-3 days of icing it first.
3. Take painkillers or other drugs, if recommended by your doctor.
4. Use support.

How long does it take for a back to heal?

Back muscle strains typically heal with time, many within a few days, and most within 3 to 4 weeks. Most patients with mild or moderate lumbar strains make a full recovery and are free of symptoms within days, weeks, or possibly months.

How long does Covid back pain last?

“Back pain related to COVID-19 itself often feels different than overexertion,” comments Dr. Fleming. “Pain from overexertion usually lasts a few days, but the pain from COVID-19 may last days or weeks.”

How do you fix back pain at work?

Sit and drive as little as possible if back pain is acute. Avoid sitting on soft, low couches. Make sure your work surface is at a comfortable height for you. Use a chair with good lumbar support or use a pillow or rolled-up towel for support.

Does bed rest work for sore backs?

Bed rest, once a key part of treating back pain, has a limited role in healing sore backs. In very small doses, bed rest can give you a break when standing or sitting causes severe pain.

Are bed rest and back-extension exercises effective for acute low back pain?

Bed rest and back-extension exercises are often prescribed for patients with acute low back pain, but the effectiveness of these two competing treatments remains controversial. We conducted a controlled trial among employees of the city of Helsinki, Finland, who presented to an occupational health care center with acute, nonspecific low back pain.

Is it better to stay home from work for back pain?

Well-designed clinical trials suggest that an early return to normal activities — with some rest as needed — is better than staying home from work for an extended period. For more on healing your aching back, buy Back Pain, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School.

How much rest is enough for acute back pain?

Many leading experts suggest two days or less of bed rest, 8-10 whereas others advocate back-extension exercises. 6,11 The present study was designed to compare bed rest with rapid mobilization in the management of acute backache.