Should I Rest For My Low Back Pain?
SHOULD I REST FOR MY LOW BACK PAIN
Have you been told that all you need to do is get some rest and your back will be feeling better in no time? Well if you have, then you are being given terrible advice. Rest is no longer a recommendation for back pain and especially not bed rest.
WHY YOU SHOULDN’T REST FOR LOW BACK
Rest used to be one of the most commonly recommended treatments for low back pain, but that is no longer the case. Instead of helping low back pain heal rest actually makes low back pain take longer to heal. The reasoning behind this is that when you rest you are not moving the back at all. That lack of movement does not let any special healing take place that otherwise wouldn’t, but what it does do is cause the area to tighten up and have reduced blood flow. If one rests their low back for an extended period of time it might also lead to muscle wasting. All of these factors increase the amount of time it takes for your low back pain to heal rather than shorten it.
WHAT SHOULD I DO FOR MY LOW BACK PAIN?
Now that we have determined that you should not rest for your low back pain you are probably wondering “well what should I do?” The answer to that question is that you should stay mobile, stay active, and continue about your life to the best of your ability. Yes, low back pain may slow you down some, but you need to try and do the things you would normally do and perform exercises that get you back to being able to do things like you used to. Staying mobile and active while you have back pain may be uncomfortable and painful but it has been shown to decrease the amount of time it takes for your back pain to heal and decrease the amount of disability associated with low back pain. You, of course, should make some modifications, but staying as active as possible helps you to get back to your normal lifestyle as soon as possible.
THE NEXT STEP:
The next step is to see an evidence-based chiropractor who can help guide you on your road to recovery. We can help you by getting you out of pain quickly and teaching you the right exercises to do to help you progress faster. If you have back pain that is interfering with your life give us a call at The Pittsburgh Chiropractor at 412-517-8124. Come on in for a complimentary discovery visit. We will be able to tell you more about your pain and help you determine the best thing that you can do for your pain.
About the Author
Medically reviewed by Dr. Alex Tauberg, DC, RN, CCSP®, PSP | Last reviewed: March 8, 2026
Reviewed for clinical accuracy using an evidence-based, conservative care framework.
Dr. Alex Tauberg, DC, RN, CCSP®, PSP
Primary Spine Practitioner & Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner
Founder of The Pittsburgh Chiropractor LLC, Dr. Tauberg is a dual-credentialed healthcare provider (Doctor of Chiropractic and Registered Nurse). He specializes in evidence-based spine care and sports medicine, leveraging his advanced training in spine care, rehabilitation, and sports medicine to help active individuals and athletes recover from musculoskeletal injuries and return to the activities they enjoy.
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Education & training
- Doctor of Chiropractic: National University of Health Sciences
- Primary Spine Practitioner Certification: University of Pittsburgh
- Nursing Education: Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC); Capella University
- Graduate Nursing: William Paterson University (FNP program)
- Undergraduate: Eckerd College (Psychology)
Certifications Primary Spine Practitioner (PSP)
Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner (CCSP®)
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
Professional Affiliation Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association
Direct Clinical Line (412) 517-8124
Content Standards Evidence-based guidance, reviewed and updated regularly
Pittsburgh: 55 Alpha Drive West Suite 6, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 | Gibsonia: 5332 William Flynn Hwy, Gibsonia, PA 15044 Clinical Content Last Verified: March 8, 2026
Educational disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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