If you have acute lower back pain
If you have acute lower back pain, you should not lift at all. If you must lift, avoid objects that are awkward to handle or are heavier than 30 pounds (about 15 kilograms). At all times you must use the correct lifting technique.
If you are uncomfortable while sleeping or attempting to sleep, you may benefit from a supportive roll around your waist. For most people, the mattress should not be too hard but should be well supported by a firm base. If your bed sags, slats or a sheet of plywood (a “bed board”) between mattress and base will straighten it; as an alternative, you can place the mattress on the floor.
When you have been lying down and you want to get up, keep your back in lordosis: turn on one side, pull both knees up, drop your feet over the edge of the bed, raise yourself to the sitting position by
pushing your upper body up with your hands, and avoid bending forward at the waist. Stand up from sitting as described earlier in this chapter.
Avoid coughing and sneezing while you are sitting or bending forward. If you must cough or sneeze, stand and bend backward.
Avoid those positions and movements that caused your problems in the first place.
Allow some time for healing to take place.
