Yoga good remedy to relieve back pain

Previous studies have suggested yoga and stretching help ease lower back pain

ISLAMABAD: New research has shown that yoga may be a good alternative for treating lower back pain.For this reason, people living with chronic pain often resort to alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or yoga.



A National Institute of Health report says that there is enough evidence to support the "short- and long-term benefits" of yoga for relieving chronic lower back pain. Previous studies have indeed suggested that yoga and stretching help ease lower back pain.

But chronic back pain tends to affect racial and ethnic minorities in particular, as well as people with a lower socio-economic background.

However it is possible that this group of people as well as for those with severe pain – the benefits of yoga may not have been studied adequately.



About 320 participants were randomly assigned to either attend 12 weekly yoga sessions, 15 physical therapy sessions, or just read literature and newsletters on how to manage chronic lower back pain.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 25^th, 2017.