The role of bed rest in acute low back pain

Acute low back pain is a common problem and clinicians from a number of different disciplines are involved in its management. Advice on daily activities constitutes an important part in the management of low back pain. In spite of evidence against its efficacy, bed rest continues to be a cornerstone of treatment. The purpose of this review is to present evidence from literature to determine the effectiveness of bed rest for patients with acute low back pain together with comparison of bed rest versus advice to stay active, bed rest versus other treatment modalities and shorter periods of bed rest (2 to 4 days) versus longer periods (more than 4 days) of bed rest. There is strong evidence to suggest that bed rest is not effective in the management of acute low back pain.