As an executive mom, you are no stranger to exhaustion. Between managing a demanding career, keeping up with your kids, and trying to squeeze in a few minutes of self-care, it’s easy to believe that resting more is the best way to recover from aches and pains, especially when your back feels tight and sore. But what if too much resting is actually keeping your back pain around longer? In this blog, lets discuss why resting too much might actually be making your back pain worse.
Rest is vital to recovery from back, neck and nerve pain and in almost all acute injuries. However if you have been laying low, skipping movement, or spending more time on the couch thinking it will help your back "heal," you might be unintentionally fuelling stiffness, weakness, and inflammation instead. Here’s why:
Immobility Feeds Muscle Tightness:
When you stop moving, your muscles don’t "rest", they tighten and stiffen. Without regular gentle movement, the muscles supporting your spine lose flexibility, making every little movement feel more painful.
What Happens:
- Muscles shorten and stiffen when not used.
- Joints become less lubricated, leading to more friction and discomfort.
- Blood flow slows down, reducing the nutrients needed for healing.
How It Feels: You may feel even more sore, achy, and stiff after "taking it easy" for a few days.
Weakness Sets In Fast:
When you avoid movement for too long, your core and back muscles start to weaken. These muscles are critical for stabilising and supporting your spine. When they are weak, your body overcompensates, putting more strain on your spine, joints and nerves.
What This Means:
- Less support = more stress on your lower back.
- Everyday activities (like lifting groceries or picking up your kids) feel harder.
- You risk falling into a "pain-weakness-pain" cycle that's hard to break without intentional action.
Gentle Movement Heals, Rest Alone Doesn’t:
The right kind of gentle, mindful movement helps your body heal by encouraging circulation, reducing inflammation, and retraining your muscles to work together.
Simple Movements That Help:
- Core engagement resets (seated or standing)
- Gentle posture resets
- Mini mobility flows that loosen up stiff joints without straining your back.
Watch this video to learn how to 'Engage Your Core While Sitting: 4 Simple Tips for Better Posture'
HERE is a free video guide on "Quick and Easy Desk Based Exercises to avoid spinal & joint pain". These are simple and easy exercises that can be done in under 2-3 minutes while sitting at your desk at work or from the comfort of your home.
Rest smarter, not harder! If you have been trying to "rest away" your back pain without improvement, it’s not your fault. You just need a new approach that balances rest with strategic movement.
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