Yoga May Help Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is a health problem that nearly 80% of all Americans will experience, at some point in their lives. It can range in severity from a simple annoyance to complete physical debilitation. The most common response is to visit a family doctor who will prescribe pain medication and/or visit a chiropractor. While, these may be wise choices, there is another alternative.

According to a recent study, funded by The National Institutes of Health, yoga may help lower back pain. A 42% reduction in pain and a 29% increase in mobility and functionality was experienced by study participants who practiced yoga. These participants attended 90-minute sessions of Iyengar Yoga twice per week for a period of 24 weeks.

Iyengar Yoga, a form of Hatha Yoga, is learned through the study of posture (asanas) and breath control (pranayama). This type of yoga focuses on a strength, flexibility, balance and proper body alignment, through the use of props, such as belts, chairs, wood blocks, etc. It is this, unrelenting, emphasis on correct anatomical alignment that will improve posture and minimize or eliminate aches and pains.

While, many have agreed for centuries, that one of the therapeutic benefits of yoga is the prevention of back pain, this recent study suggests that yoga is also an effective treatment. The West Virginia study is published in the September 2009 issue of the Spine journal.