Rationale and Comments

Prolonged bed rest (more than 2 days) in acute localized low back pain has not been shown to improve long-term function or pain. Bed rest prescriptions should be limited to less than 48 hours in patients with non-traumatic acute localized low back pain in the absence of traditional red flag signs, including, but not limited to, tumors, neurological issues, and weakness.

Sponsoring Organizations

• American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Sources

• Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

Disciplines

• Orthopedic

References

• Dahm KT, Brurberg KG, Jamtvedt G, Hagen KB. Advice to rest in bed versus advice to stay active for acute low-back pain and sciatica. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 Jun 16;(6):CD007612.