Journal of Orthopaedic Research: Yoga reduces chronic low back pain by 2 times, study finds

The physical postures, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices of yoga help reduce chronic low back pain. This is evidenced by the research of scientists from the Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, which was published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research.

In the study, 10 women with and 11 without chronic low back pain underwent an 8-session yoga program over 4 weeks with the first session conducted in a clinic and the rest delivered with a tele-approach.

Women with chronic low back pain experienced a significant decrease in pain intensity, as assessed through a 10-point visual analog scale (an average pain of 6.80 at the start, dropped to 3.30 after the sessions) and through a spine-related measure called the flexion–relaxation phenomenon, which is often absent or disrupted in people with low back pain (5.12 at the start versus 9.49 after the sessions).

The findings suggest yoga can positively impact the neuromuscular response during trunk flexion and pain perception in individuals with chronic low back pain.

The authors noted, however, that further research is warranted to assess yoga's long-term effects.