Effect of Yoga Therapy in Chronic Discogenic Low Back Pain

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a persistent pain condition affecting the lower back, lumbosacral region, and sacroiliac area for over three months. Discogenic pain closely resembles lumbosacral radicular pain, often presenting with radiating pain in lumbar or sacral dermatomes, with or without neurological deficits. Yoga, a mind-body practice, is increasingly explored as a therapeutic approach for non-specific low back pain.

A prospective study included 35 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, who underwent yoga therapy between August 2022 and July 2024. Participants were assessed every four weeks for twelve weeks using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Face Pain Rating Scale (FPRS), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).

The study population had a mean age of 39.57 ± 11.62 years, with 51.4% females and 48.6% males. At the twelve-week follow-up, significant improvements were observed: VAS scores decreased from 7.2 ± 1.1 to 2.5 ± 0.9 (P < 0.05), FPRS scores reduced from 6.8 ± 1.2 to 2.3 ± 0.8 (P < 0.05), and ODI scores improved from 52.4 ± 8.3 to 21.6 ± 5.4 (P < 0.05). These findings indicate a marked reduction in pain intensity and back-related disability following yoga therapy.

Yoga therapy is an effective non-invasive intervention for managing chronic discogenic low back pain, leading to significant reductions in pain and disability across all age groups.