Everyday Health reported on when to rest and when to move with acute pain featuring insight from Nicole Matar, MD, an interventional pain and spine specialist at HSS.

With acute pain, “Rest reduces inflammation and prevents further injury,” said Dr. Matar. “In the first 24 to 72 hours, relative rest allows the inflammatory phase of healing to occur appropriately.”

It’s important to talk with your doctor and devise a plan for rest that’s best for you. How you should take it easy will depend on the pain and what’s causing it, but as a general rule, some variation of RICE — rest, ice, compression, elevation — is often the way to go, explained Dr. Matar. “That being said, rest is more aligned with taking it easy and not true bed rest.” 

Bottom line: It’s about finding the right balance. You don’t want to take it too easy when dealing with acute pain, but you shouldn’t push yourself too far beyond your comfort zone right now either. This can lead to prolonged inflammation or reinjury. As a general rule, if you’re doing something and it hurts, stop, said Matar. “Mild discomfort during activity is acceptable, but movement should not be sharply painful.”

Read the full article at everydayhealth.com.