Say Goodbye to Back Pain

comfort as the cushioning materials and/or foam or innerspring core gradually

compress and lose their ability to recover height.

Though there is no set time to replace a mattress, it is generally recommended that a

mattress that is used daily be replaced every 8 to 10 years. (A mattress that feels

uncomfortable should be replaced regardless of its age). The type of mattress, the

quality of the construction and the materials used affects the life of the mattress. The

heavier you are, the more quickly the mattress will wear out.

Return to work gradually

Obviously you will not be fully fit when you return to work. There may still be mild to

moderate back pain which you are now able to tolerate. Your age, general health, the

type of work you do and perceptions of safe limits of sitting, standing, walking or lifting

can help provide reasonable starting points for activity recommendations. The table

below gives details of return to work guidelines.

Expected return to unmodified work (^)
Activity level
Mild low^ Severe low back^ Sciatica^
back pain^ pain^
Light work – Mostly sitting, No need to stay (^2) – 5 days
occasional standing and away from 1 – 3 days rest (^) rest
walking, light lifting work (^)
(^)
Medium work – Standing, (^)
sitting and walking for equal No need to stay (^)
intervals; occasional bending, away from 14 – 17 days rest 21 days rest (^)
twisting or stooping; moderate work (^)
weight lifting (^)
Heavy work – Constant (^)
standing or walking; frequent (^)
bending, twisting or stooping; (^7) – 10 days rest 35 days rest 35 days rest
heavy lifting; driving car, light (^)
truck or heavy vehicle or (^)
equipment all day^