Rest Isn’t Always Best for Back Pain – Here’s Why

Back Pain Myths Part 1; Rest Isn’t Always Best for Back Pain – Here’s Why

Rest Isn’t Always Best for Back Pain – Here’s Why
Have you been told to “just rest” when your back hurts? It seems like good advice—after all, we rest to heal from other injuries, right? But when it comes to back pain, too much rest can do more harm than good.

At Northcote Chiropractic Centre, we often see patients who feel stuck because they’ve been resting for weeks but aren’t feeling better. The truth is, staying in bed or avoiding movement can weaken your back muscles, slow recovery, and even make pain worse.

Why Resting Too Much Can Be a Problem
When you rest for too long, your muscles start to lose strength, and your joints can become stiff. In addition to the loss of muscle tone you can become constipated (some concern to people since straining at the toilet raises back pressure a large amount) and develop the risk of lower limb blood clots. Prolonged bed rest is equally bad for your mental health.

Your body thrives on movement—it’s how your muscles stay strong and your joints stay mobile.But don’t worry, recovery doesn’t mean jumping straight into intense workouts. Small, intentional and gradual steps can help you rebuild trust in your back without causing more pain.

Here’s What You Can Do Instead:

1️⃣ Start Small with Gentle Movement
Begin with short walks around your home or neighborhood. Even five minutes of walking can boost blood flow and loosen stiff muscles. Small and frequent efforts are the answer. Let the next day and how you respond be the measure of whether you up the load or not.

2️⃣ Strengthen Your Core Gradually
Try simple exercises like bridges or bird-dogs to support your spine. Your core acts as a natural brace for your back, reducing the strain and helping you move with confidence. Once again, be slow and gradual. Do a few on Day 1 then stop. Wait for tomorrow and see how you feel before you step the load up.

3️⃣ Seek Professional Guidance
Unsure what’s safe? The chiropractors at Northcote Chiropractic and Essendon Health can assess your situation and create a tailored plan to get you moving again..

Let’s Move Forward Together
Imagine waking up one morning without worrying about whether your back will hold up. It starts with small changes—and we’re here to help guide you. If you’re ready to feel better and trust your back again, book an appointment with us today.