Many adults suffer from chronic back pain as a result of injury from lifting improperly, car or other accidents, others experience back pain from scoliosis or degenerative arthritis. Yet, most chronic back pain, as much as 85 percent, are nonspecific and cannot be linked to specific physical abnormalities. Those who are inflicted with chronic back pain are also at risk for increased disability, increased presence of psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety, and reduced health-related quality of life. While the recommended treatment for back pain involves medication management, physical therapy, and possible surgery, the long-term use of medications can have negative side effects. Many people are now trying alternative approaches such as yoga, as well as practices like tai chi, qigong to ease their pain. As an additional benefit, yoga as well as tai chi and qigong, cost considerably less than doctor visits and prescription drugs.
In a study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) at West Virginia University, people with chronic back pain problems who practiced yoga were able to better manage pain and depression than those experiencing conventional treatment. The study sample contained 90 subjects that were randomly assigned to practice yoga twice a week for 24 weeks, doing postures targeted to relieve chronic back pain with a focus on strength, flexibility, and balance. At the end of the study, the yoga group had “less pain, less functional disability, and less depression compared with the control group” receiving only medical intervention.
Another study examined the benefits of a yoga intervention for Veterans Administration (VA) patients. A pre- and post-intervention questionnaire was given to patients referred by their primary health care providers to participate in the study. The questionnaire included measures of pain, depression, energy/fatigue, health-related quality of life, and program satisfaction. After a 6-week treatment regimen, participants were asked to self-report the number of yoga sessions they attended and how often they practice yoga at home. The data indicate that VA patients showed “sizable decreases in pain and depression along with increases in energy levels and the mental health summary score for Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL).”
The treatment of chronic back pain can drastically reduce health care expenditures and provide a higher health-related quality of life for adults. In numerous studies, yoga, as well as tai chi and qigong, has shown to help participants overcome back pain and increase their strength and flexibility. These practices have also been shown to be helpful for treating a variety of health problems including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, mental health issues and cancer. Yoga and other alternative methods to treat back pain should not be used in place of medical intervention, but rather as a compliment. A person suffering from chronic back pain should always check with their health care practitioner to rule out any contraindications prior to starting an exercise program. And remember, finding an experienced teacher with adequate training and experience is important. Is the instructor trained in the types of concerns you are experiencing? Finding an instructor that focuses on alignment and anatomy is key.
Beginning the week of October 11, 2015 I will begin offering two Gentle Yoga & Qigong classes each week on Tuesday and Thursday nights, 7:30pm EST. These classes are specifically designed to help individuals experiencing back pain as well as focusing on increasing flexibility. The classes are LIVE Online — practice in the comfort of your home, no fighting traffic, the hassle of finding a parking space, etc. I keep my classes to a maximum of 12 students per class, sign up early in order to ensure you have a space reserved. Visit my Online Studio for more information.
