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I've had back pain for two weeks now. Everything I've read says I should avoid bed rest and "stay active." What does "stay active" mean when you have back pain? I certainly can't go skiing or do hardly anything except move from one place to another.

Most doctors will tell patients to stay as active as they can. In medical lingo this is called movement as tolerated. You decide how much you can do and how far you can go based on your pain and symptoms. The main goal is to start moving and keep moving. It doesn't seem to matter what that includes. Specific exercises aren't needed and may even be harmful at first.

At the same time you can practice any method of self-care that works. This may be an over-the-counter pain reliever. Or you may find that ice before and/or after activity helps. Relaxation tapes or simply listening to music may help reduce muscle tension and relieve pain.

One of the most effective ways of "staying active" is through breathing. When you move in such a way that the pain increases, stop, and take a slow, easy breath. This helps with relaxation and can reduce pain that is increased by muscle tension.

Studies have shown over and over that bed rest doesn't help and may even delay your healing. New research also shows patients must be aware that fear of movement will set them up to stop moving or avoid certain motions. This can also delay healing and cause further problems later. Once again, breathing, relaxing, and moving are the keys to staying active.

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