Low back pain is the most common form of musculoskeletal pain reported around the world and the number one reason patients seek out chiropractic care. Because weak or deconditioned core muscles and reduced flexibility are common in chronic low back pain sufferers, patients are often advised to perform back-specific exercises at home and increase their overall physical activity levels. Not only can these actions supplement in-office care to help the patient experience improvements in pain and disability sooner, but staying in shape can reduce the risk for a future episode of low back pain. There are a number of exercise options available to chronic low back pain patient, including yoga.
While yoga dates back thousands of years, it didn’t begin to grow in popularity in the United States until the 1960s and 1970s. Yoga combines physical postures, breath control, and meditation that strengthens muscles, increases flexibility, and improves balance. Additional benefits attributed to yoga include reduced blood pressure, improved blood sugar control, easier breathing for both asthmatics and COPD patients, better brain function, enhanced body image, improved mood, greater resilience to stress, and social connection when performed in a group setting.
In 2020, a systematic review that included five studies concluded that yoga is as effective or potentially more effective than other exercise interventions in the management of chronic low back pain. This finding is echoed by a 2023 review that looked at data from 75 randomized controlled trials, listing yoga as a viable exercise option for improving low back pain-related pain and disability. With respect to back-specific exercises, a 2023 study found yoga is as effective as stabilization exercises for improving pain, function, metabolic capacity, and sleep quality in patients with chronic low back pain. The authors add that patients may enjoy yoga more, which increases the chances they perform their exercises and continue to do so after the conclusion of care.
While yoga is considered a safe exercise option for children, pregnant women, cardiovascular disease patients, and even frail seniors, experts note there is always a potential risk for injury. To minimize your risk, it’s recommended to talk to your doctor before starting yoga; start slowly with just the basics; choose an appropriate class for your abilities; refrain from forcing yourself into uncomfortable poses; drink plenty of water; wear clothing that allows flexibility; and stop and rest when needed.
Presently, there are roughly 50,000 yoga studios in the United States with potentially thousands of instructors conducting classes in public and private facilities elsewhere. Chances are good there are several yoga options available in your town or within a short walk or drive. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your doctor of chiropractic. If he or she doesn’t practice yoga, they certainly know many people who do and can steer you in the right direction.
