Yoga classes for chronic lower back pain can yield more lifestyle improvements and better overall health than seeking a doctor's advice, according to a new study. The research in the Annals of Internal Medicine was led by scientists at the University of York, included more than 300 people and was described as the largest of its kind to date in the UK.
Researchers derived their study samples from a group of people who were already seeing a doctor for chronic or recurrent back pain. They assigned 156 of them to yoga classes and left 157 to the care of their physicians. Twenty experienced yoga teachers from 2 yoga associations - the British Wheel of Yoga and Iyengar Yoga (10 from each) - were recruited for the study, which was primarily funded by Arthritis Research UK.
After three months, the yoga group reported they "were able to undertake 30 per cent more activities compared with those in the usual care group," according to the study. It found the main advantage appeared to be having more confidence to perform daily tasks such as "walking more quickly, getting dressed without help or standing up for longer periods of time," and not necessarily pain relief.
Those taking yoga reported slightly less pain compared to the usual care group, but the difference was of "marginal statistical significance," the researchers say.
Series of studies
The data adds to a series of studies on how yoga may improve health. A study published earlier this month in the Archives of Internal Medicine found yoga and stretching alleviated back pain more than reading a self-help manual.
Other studies out this year have suggested yoga can lower stress and improve quality of life among breast cancer patients, as well as cut irregular heartbeat episodes in half among cardiac patients.
The study authors say the findings are important because so many people suffer from back pain at some point in their lives, with few effective treatments. "Back pain is an extremely common and costly condition. Exercise treatment, although widely used and recommended, has only a small effect on back pain," says lead investigator Professor David Torgerson.
"Our results showed that yoga can provide both short and long-term benefits to those suffering from chronic or recurrent back pain, without any serious side-effects."Dr Vicki Kotsirilos of the Australasian Integrative Medicine Association welcomes the study. She says yoga has overall benefits through gentle stretching, toning, core muscle strengthening and relaxation of the mind and body.
"Research has shown yoga can also help with other areas of health such as irritable bowel syndrome, menopause and PMT. So it is exciting to see another study proving its benefits for well-being," says Kotsirilos.
"However, people need to be careful to choose the style of yoga that suits their needs, starting with more gentle yoga and letting the instructor know if they suffer back problems to avoid positions that may aggravate back pain."