Back pain is a common condition that many of us struggle with and it can be incredibly debilitating. It’s no surprise then that we often fear the idea of resting because we think that back pain will continue to hurt, especially when we lay down to rest. However, the connection between back pain and rest is not always as straightforward as we may think. In this blog post, we will explore and answer the question “does back pain hurt when resting?” We consulted with physiotherapists and chiropractors to get a better understanding of this topic’s science and get some tips on how we can manage back pain when resting.
To answer the question of whether back pain hurts when resting, it’s essential to first understand the different types of back pain. There are two basic categories of back pain: acute and chronic. Acute back pain often starts suddenly and typically lasts for a few days to a few weeks. Chronic back pain, on the other hand, lasts longer than 12 weeks. According to our experts, the degree of pain and discomfort associated with each type of back pain is dependent on the person and their condition’s severity. But, in most cases resting can be helpful for acute back pain as it allows the body time to heal. However, chronic back pain is tricky since the pain is constant and usually has a lot of underlying conditions that need addressing. Therefore, rest may not always alleviate the pain and one needs to seek proper treatment from a professional.
It is worth noting that the position in which you rest can affect how back pain feels. Our physiotherapist explained that for acute lower back pain, laying on your back with pillows under your knees or on your side with pillows between your knees can relieve pressure on the lower back. For those suffering from upper back pain, a curved neck pillow can be helpful. However, it’s essential to recognize that these positions may not help everyone and are not universally recommended. Our experts encourage us to experiment with different rest positions and see what works best for us. They also remind us to avoid slouching or slumping during extended periods of rest since this can strain our back muscles and slow down the healing process.
Resting is one method of managing pain, but there are various other ways to ease back pain. Our Chiropractor suggests making gentle movements when taking breaks from extended periods of sitting or standing to counteract the effects of poor posture that can cause strain on the back. Activities such as Yoga and Tai Chi can also help strengthen and stretch the muscles responsible for supporting the spine, making them less prone to injury.
So does back pain hurt when resting? The answer varies from case to case. Acute back pain often responds well to rest, and different positions can help alleviate the pain. Chronic back pain, on the other hand, is a lot more complicated because often, the person has to seek help from professionals to manage their pain. It’s also essential to recognize that resting alone is not a cure for back pain, and we need to seek various medical interventions in case of chronic pain. However, we can experiment with different rest positions and gentle movements to alleviate discomfort and improve the chances of recovery. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you are suffering from back pain. Get in touch with your chiropractor or physiotherapist who can support you.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Seth Siegfried, HBK, DC, or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
