Resting can cause problems, not relive painful muscles

Resting in bed when suffering from sore muscles prolongs pain, reduces mobility and extends recovery time.

LOS ANGELES: Resting in bed when suffering from sore muscles, a kind of muscle fever, seems like best option for many. However, studies show that it prolongs pain, reduces mobility and extends recovery time.

A study of 1,000 people aged 25-65 with aches and pains, commissioned by the Simplyhealth Advisory Research Panel (ShARP), an independent panel of experts, found that more than a third thought bed rest was the remedy.

However, it can cause many problems.

Femalefirst.co.uk reports that a group of panelists has found that people get trapped in a cycle where their lack of exercise not only exacerbates their pain and stiffness, it also leads to muscle wastage. This, in turn, can result in weight gain, placing even more stress on already painful joints.

The study also reveals that the lower back is the nation's number one sore spot and overweight people suffer joint pain daily.

Also, while many are aware that exercises such as swimming, yoga and pilates can help with muscle and joint pain, over 50 percent admitted to doing nothing to help their musculoskeletal health.