When your back hurts, it is hard to enjoy life. Even simple actions such as sitting, standing, and walking can leave you in discomfort or pain, and physical activities that you used to enjoy, like golf with your buddies or playing catch with your children, are no longer possible. That is, until you try yoga—at least that is what research says.
In a three-year study which took place in the U.K. and was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, more than 313 adults who suffered with back pain were asked to take part in a randomized control trial. All participants were given an informative booklet about back pain and approximately half engaged in yoga over the course of three months. Each person was evaluated at the 3, 6, and 12 month mark to evaluate their pain, as well as their overall level of health.
Researchers found that, “The yoga group had better back function at 3, 6, and 12 months than the usual care group” who only received the booklet. Additionally, the group that engaged in yoga also reported less pain at both 3 and 6 months.
WebMD also points to other studies that have reached the same conclusion, that yoga can help rehabilitate issues related to your back. This is extremely good news as yoga classes are generally available most anywhere, it is cost-effective (especially when compared to other forms of medical treatment), and it is a soothing exercise to do.
If you experience chronic back pain, seek a yoga class near you and you will be one step closer to a healthy back. Just make sure you have your doctor’s approval beforehand so that you don’t aggravate your injury further.
Have you ever done yoga? How did it make your back feel?
