Rest and activity avoidance is often not the best medicine.
A young, fit worker develops back pain, is advised to rest and cut back activities. Three months later his back pain has not improved. Is rest really the best medicine?
Case History: Mr B is a 29 year old baker who developed lower back pain around three months ago. There was no specific trigger for the back pain, which was reported to be of a gradual onset. He loves his job and is good at it. Mr B's pre-injury duties require standing for long periods of time, with general shifts being of 10 hours in duration. He is also required to undertake frequent lifting of heavy items, such as baking ingredi...