Yoga Can Reduce Disability from Lower Back Pain

Regular yoga classes can help reduce disability for those suffering from chronic or recurrent lower back pain, a study by researchers in the UK finds. The results of the study were published this month in Annals of Internal Medicine.

The parallel group, randomized, controlled trial included 313 adult participants (70% female) with chronic or recurrent low back pain. (In order to qualify, participants had to have lower back pain and score 4 or higher on the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), which is marked on a scale of 0-24 points with each point translating to an activity limited by pain.)

Participants were divided into a yoga group (156 participants) and a usual care group (157 participants). All participants received a back pain education booklet, and the yoga group was offered a 12-class, gradually progressing yoga program over 12 weeks. Measurements of the participants’ progress included scores on the RMDQ at three months (primary outcome), six and 12 months (secondary outcome) as well as pain, pain self-efficacy, and general health measures at three, six, and 12 months (secondary outcomes).

Of those in the yoga group, 93 (60%) attended at least three of the first six sessions and at least three other sessions. (26% attended at least one class, but did not fully adhere, and 15% did not attend any classes.) Those in the yoga group had better back function at three, six, and 12 months than the usual care group, with a mean RMDQ reduction of 2.17 points at three months, 1.48 points at six months, and 1.57 points at 12 months. Participants in both groups had similar back pain and general health scores throughout the study, and those in the yoga group had higher pain self-efficacy scores a three and six months, but not 12 months. Two of the usual care participants and 12 of the yoga participants reported adverse events, typically increased pain.

One major shortcoming of the study was incomplete participation in yoga classes by those in the yoga group. In addition, the diminishment in improvement over time of RMDQ scores for those in the yoga compared with those in the usual care group indicates that additional yoga classes may be needed to maintain improved functionality. Nonetheless, the researchers conclude, “Yoga seems to be a safe and effective activity that clinicians could consider recommending for patients with a history of low back pain.”

Source

Yoga for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Trial [Annals of Internal Medicine]