Eastern practice of yoga and back pain

The information, speculation and opinions both professional and otherwise about how to treat chronic lower back pain make up a body of work that is huge and steadily growing.  No wonder, since the condition afflicts nearly 80% of UK adults during their lifetime.  Back pain accounts for close to five million missed work days per year in the UK alone, according to the latest estimates.

One recent study, funded by Arthritis Research UK and led by University of York Professor David Torgeson, indicates that another ‘alternative’ mode of treatment has great possibilities for back pain sufferers, namely the Eastern practice of yoga.  The study concluded that exercises derived from the lexicon of traditional yoga movements and regimens resulted in about 30% more freedom of movement and a reduction of pain.

313 patients took part in the study, all of whom had chronic or recurrent back pain.  The control group was given standard NHS medical care that included painkillers and physiotherapy during a 12-week period.  The experimental group undertook a specially designed programme of yoga exercises in addition to standard treatments during the same time period.

At the end of the trial period, those in the yoga programme were able to perform ordinary daily activities with greater ease and confidence, i.e. walking faster, dressing without assistance and standing for longer periods.  They also reported a reduction of pain, though that was not the most significant benefit.

Arthritis Research UK is committed to finding self-help solutions for back pain sufferers, and its medical director, Professor Alan Silman, said that the research makes a good case for instigating yoga treatments in a wider range of back pain cases, as it has demonstrated positive results with no negative side effects reported.