Self Care Tips

If you have low-back pain, bed rest for a day or two is generally better than a week in bed. Protracted bed rest may be counterproductive. You should begin to walk as soon as the acute pain subsides.

To help prevent restless leg syndrome (uncontrollable spasms in the lower leg when lying in bed), stretch or massage the affected muscles before going to sleep, and/or wear long socks to bed. The application of heat or cold compresses may help. Avoid caffeine in the evening. And don't smoke.

To prevent heartburn at night try elevating the head of your bed by at least six inches (wooden blocks or a couple of phone books will do the trick). Alternatively try using a Contoured Bed Wedge to elevate yourself rather than the bed.

This may prevent the most common cause of heartburn - gastroesophageal reflux, the backup of stomach contents into the lower oesophagus where gastric acids produce a burning sensation.