Karen Terlach, a 64-year-old grandmother, has battled chronic back pain since her 30s. Initially, she tried prescription medications, but the side effects outweighed the benefits. Later, a doctor suggested stretching exercises, which offered some relief.
Karen’s curiosity about stretching soon led her to yoga. The practice transformed her experience with back pain. Now, Karen is training at the Cleveland Clinic School of Yoga to help others ease theirs.
Karen isn’t alone in finding relief through yoga. Many people with chronic back pain have found it both effective and empowering. A recent randomized clinical trial supports yoga’s effectiveness in treating back pain.
How Was the Yoga Back Pain Study Conducted?
Published in JAMA Network Open, this study analyzed 140 people with chronic low back pain. Participants were split into two groups. The “Yoga Now” group joined a 12-week online yoga class. The “Yoga Later” group waited to begin until after the assessment period had concluded.
The study was single-blinded. Participants, aged 18 to 64, were recruited from the Cleveland Clinic Employee Health Plan. They qualified by reporting a pain intensity score of at least 4 out of 10. Participants also needed to report that back pain usually interfered with daily life.
Researchers measured back-related function using the 23-point Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). Higher scores indicated poorer back function. Participants attended 12 weekly hour-long yoga sessions, streamed live and held virtually. Two teachers managed the sessions: one led instruction, and the other monitored for safety and quality.
The study used Hatha Yoga, which emphasizes holds, breath work, and gentle movements. Common postures included sphinx pose, bridge pose, and shoulder openers. Participants were encouraged to practice at home for at least 30 minutes each day. They also received mats, blocks, and logbooks to support their practice.
How Did the Study’s Results Show Yoga Reduces Back Pain?
Participants in the “Yoga Now” group showed significant improvements over the waitlist control group. Few adverse effects were reported, and any issues were minimal.
At the start, participants reported an average pain level of 6 out of 10. Halfway through, pain levels dropped to 4. Six months after the sessions, pain levels had dropped by half, stabilizing at 3.
Initially, 74% of participants used pain medication as part of their routine. Six months after the yoga course, only about 30% still relied on pain relievers. Participants also reported improvements in sleep quality.
Remarkably, fewer than half of the “Yoga Now” group attended half or more of the 12 classes. This suggests even minimal yoga practice can benefit those with back pain.
How Important Are Interventions that Address Back Pain?
The medical field lacks resources to support patients with low back pain (LBP). According to the study’s principal author, its findings show yoga is “feasible, safe, and effective” for treating LBP.
LBP impacts physical and emotional health and drives healthcare costs. It also reduces productivity and burdens healthcare professionals.
Clinical guidelines recommend non-medication interventions as the first line of defense against LBP. Yet, many doctors lack the knowledge or resources to guide patients toward these solutions.
LBP is especially challenging for healthcare workers. More than half report lifelong issues. Common causes include poor posture, work stress, and low physical activity.
Yoga’s benefits extend beyond physical relief. It also supports emotional and social well-being, giving people a sense of purpose and direction in life.
Conclusion
This study highlights yoga as a practical, accessible treatment for chronic back pain. As evidence grows, yoga may become a primary, non-pharmacological option for managing back pain.
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Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.
