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'''Bed rest''' is a [[doctor's prescription]] to spend a longer period of time in bed.

==Adverse effects==
Prolonged bed rest has long been known to have deleterious physiological effects, such as [[muscle atrophy]] and other forms of [[deconditioning]]. Besides lack of [[physical exercise]] in was shown that another important factor is that the [[hydrostatic pressure]] (caused by [[gravity]]) acts anomalously, resulting in altered distribution of [[body fluids]]. Even physical exercise in bed fails to address certain adverse effects.<ref>Susan L. Woods (2004) "Cardiac Nursing", ISBN 078174718X, [http://books.google.com/books?id=_vWmbeuYRN8C&pg=RA1-PA921&dq=%22bed+rest+is%22&sig=GlfCHddCrvRtpobJm5ZsBO67U2Q p. 921].</ref>

==Common cases==
Bed rest is commonly prescribed in the following cases.

*For sufferers of [[acute pain]] in [[spine]] or [[joint]]s; for example, in the case of [[backache]] the unloading of the corresponding spinal segment decreases the intradiscal pressure, and it would bring relief in cases such as compression of [[spinal nerve]]. The prescribed duration of bed rest vary and opinions differ. <ref>Richard S. Weiner (2002) "	
Pain Management: A Practical Guide for Clinicians", ISBN 0849309263, [http://books.google.com/books?id=L2CSdeiMZi4C&pg=PA741&dq=%22bed+rest+is%22&sig=mgiJgFl76YD1DevYWtbkWwlxz7g#PPA741,M1 p. 741]</ref>

*Bed rest is prescribed for some [[mother|maternal]] or [[fetus|fetal]] complications of [[pregnancy]], such as [[preterm labor]], high [[blood pressure]], incompetent [[cervix]], or [[fetal growth]] problems.  In the past it was a general prescription during any kind of pregnancy, now deprecated.<ref>Nancy A. Bowers (2001) "The Multiple Pregnancy Sourcebook", ISBN 0737303069, [http://books.google.com/books?id=_SpJuuhn3lcC&pg=PA181&dq=%22bed+rest+is%22&sig=Q2J4aKa9jTUp-KnyixAu-MiPZWQ Chapter 12: Bed Rest]</ref>

*[[Heart diseases]]

*Bed rest is an important measure in the cases of [[chorea (disease)|chorea]]. In the mild cases in may suffice for treatment.<ref>[http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/sydenham/sydenham.htm NINDS Sydenham Chorea Information Page] of the [[National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke]] </ref>

==See also==

*[[Bed rest cure]]

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Medical treatments]]

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