Here it is, another benefit of Yoga. New study adds more credibility to what people have long believed: Yoga can assist in lower back pain relief effort.
Dr. Karen Sherman, Ph.D. one of the study’s authors said: “Persons with chronic low back pain who attended a series of yoga or stretching [classes] had equivalent and clinically important improvements in their back-related dysfunction and symptoms that lasted for at least 14 weeks after the end of the study,”
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Comparing Yoga, Stretching, and a Self-care Book for Chronic Low Back Pain
A Randomized Trial Comparing Yoga, Stretching, and a Self-care Book for Chronic Low Back Pain [Original Investigation]
BackgroundChronic low back pain is a common problem lacking highly effective treatment options. Small trials suggest that yoga may have benefits for this condition. This trial was designed to determine whether yoga is more effective than conventional stretching exercises or a self-care book for primary care patients with chronic low back pain.
MethodA total of 228 adults with chronic low back pain were randomized to 12 weekly classes of yoga (92 patients) or conventional stretching exercises (91 patients) or a self-care book (45 patients). Back-related functional status (modified Roland Disability Questionnaire, a 23-point scale) and bothersomeness of pain (an 11-point numerical scale) at 12 weeks were the primary outcomes. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6, 12, and 26 weeks by interviewers unaware of treatment group.
ResultsAfter adjustment for baseline values, 12-week outcomes for the yoga group were superior to those for the self-care group (mean difference for function, –2.5 [95% CI, –3.7 to –1.3]; PﾠPﾠPﾠ
ConclusionYoga classes were more effective than a self-care book, but not more effective than stretching classes, in improving function and reducing symptoms due to chronic low back pain, with benefits lasting at least several months.Trial Registrationclinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00447668
