Loading...
Numerous treatments have been proposed for chronic low back pain, but none are supported by firm data. In this study from Washington State, 228 adults with back pain for ≥3 months, without specific spine pathology, were randomized to one of three treatments: yoga, conventional stretching, or a self-care book. The yoga and stretching groups each received twelve 75-minute sessions and were encouraged to practice on off days. Viniyoga principles, which involve 17 different postures and breathing exercises, were used in the yoga group. Stretching involved aerobic exercise, 10 strengthening exercises, and 12 stretches. In the two intervention groups, 60% to 65% of patients attended at least eight classes.
At 26 weeks, outcomes as measured by stan…