True or false: you should rest a sore back

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A Physiotherapist works on the upper back of a patient lying face down on a treatment table

Mostly false

For most everyday back pain, a day or two of taking it easy is fine, but long bed rest tends to make stiffness worse and recovery slower. Gentle, regular movement keeps the back moving and helps the pain settle.

What helps instead

  • Short walks through the day, building up as it eases.
  • Changing position often rather than sitting for hours.
  • A few simple exercises your Physiotherapist shows you.

Get checked soon if you have weakness in a leg, numbness around the groin, or changes in bladder or bowel control. These need urgent medical attention.

This article is general information, not a diagnosis. If you're in pain, a Physiotherapist can assess you properly and tell you what will help.

Not sure where to start?

Tell us where it hurts and we’ll book you with the right Physiotherapist.