Getting rest may be as effective as taking medication to treat common musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome and low back pain, which caused by repeated moderate-strain activity, scientists have found.
In a study conducted in rats, researchers showed that a four-week period of rest was nearly as effective as an experimental drug at reducing discomfort and regaining function.
“Rest appears to be a good first treatment choice,” said Amanda White, a postdoctoral fellow at Temple University in the US.
“Other treatments following rest should include exercises to improve tissues, and pain reducers if needed. If symptoms do not subside and strength does not return following this approach, then pharmacological treatments may be needed to aid recovery,” White said in a statement.
The researchers trained rats to repeatedly pull a lever in order to model the types of repetitive-strain injuries humans experience.
