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Use it or Lose it!

Still more research suggests that bed rest is a bad idea if you have low back pain.

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A recent review by the Cochrane Collaboration Back Review Group¹ analyzed all randomized studies on low back pain up to March 2003. The research group was able to identify six trials comparing bed rest with staying active for the management of low back pain. They assessed the data and were able to make further conclusions about the pros and cons of bed rest.

Over the past decade there has been considerable evidence that bed rest is not beneficial. However, these findings had been question because the previous research did not differentiate between different types of low back pain. Some think that a supine position (lying on your back) minimizes the effects of gravity and pressure on the discs.

Here are the conclusions they reached:
  • There is evidence that staying active is beneficial.
  • Sciatica practice members saw little to no benefit from bed rest.
  • Bed rest lengthened the number of days of sick leave.

While not mentioned in the study, apparently the body uses movement to assist in the healing and recovery process. Thus, bed rest is not recommended.

¹Hagen KB, Jamtvedt G, Hilde G, Winnem MF. The updated Cochrane Review of bed rest for low back pain and sciatica. Spine, March 1, 2005;30(5):542-46.

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Dr Stonebarger Asks some important questions of interest to Durant residents - Chiropractor Durant Dr Stonebarger Asks...

Do nerves actually get pinched?
Chiropractors recognize two types of nerve disorders involved in subluxation. The least common is a pinched nerve that diminishes nerve supply to an affected organ or tissue. More common is the irritated nerve (facilitative lesion) which overexcites nerve communications to an affected organ or tissue. Chiropractic care has been shown to help with both types.
Is a muscle spasm a cause or an effect?
With the knee-jerk use of muscle relaxers, you'd think it was a cause. But it's an effect. Chiropractors know that bones don't move unless muscles move them. And muscles don't contract unless commanded by the nervous system. That's why your nervous system is the focus of our Durant chiropractic practice.