[Lumbago: rest or movement?].

Abstract

Today, its epidemic frequency makes back pain a major problem. Bed rest continues to be a common form of treatment. However, it also leads to a number of effects that must be considered negative in this situation. In contrast, physical exercise may, in principle, have a positive effect on a variety of functional systems. Controlled clinical studies show that bedrest, in particular if longer than two days, is of no advantage. Thus, these patients should be less often confined to bed, but, should instead be encouraged to take sensible physical exercise and accept more responsibility for their own health. A change in attitudes would appear desirable on the part both of the physician and the patient.