Yoga for chronic low back pain: a randomized trial.

Area of Science:

• Clinical Medicine
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Pain Management

Background:

• Chronic or recurrent low back pain affects many adults.
• Previous research suggests yoga may be a beneficial treatment for low back pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of a 12-week yoga program versus usual care for chronic or recurrent low back pain.

Main Methods:

• A parallel-group, randomized controlled trial involving 313 adults with chronic low back pain.
• Participants were assigned to either a 12-week yoga program (n=156) or usual care (n=157).
• Outcomes, including back function (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire), pain, and self-efficacy, were assessed via postal questionnaire at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Main Results:

• The yoga group showed significantly better back function at 3, 6, and 12 months compared to the usual care group.
• The adjusted mean Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire score was lower in the yoga group at all time points.
• While pain and general health scores were similar, the yoga group reported higher pain self-efficacy at 3 and 6 months.

Conclusions:

• A 12-week yoga program improved back function in adults with chronic or recurrent low back pain more effectively than usual care.
• Yoga may be a valuable non-pharmacological intervention for managing chronic low back pain.
• Limitations include missing data, particularly in the yoga group for secondary outcomes.