Yoga scores over Western medicines for back pain: Research

A new research has shown an effective, consistent and drug free solution to a problem that ails almost everyone at one stage or the other. A recent study published by the journal ‘spine’ has found that people suffering from low back pain can find a more effective cure in the ancient practice of yoga as compared to the modern day medicines.

 

 As per the study, regular practice of yoga postures helps in lessening the low back pain. With time it also improves functioning and enhances the mood as well. As a result people with chronic back pains are less likely to take drugs.

 

 As per statistics from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), low back pain has evolved as a major health and economic problem in the U.S. Almost $50 billion are spent every year in the country on this condition alone. Low back pain is capable of manifesting into more serious ailments and can not be neglected at all.

 

The study was a $400,000 initiative and was funded by the National Institutes of Health. It took three years to complete and involved 90 people. All these people suffered from mild disability due to their back pain. Some of them were made to practice yoga in a 90 minute class two times a week for a total of 24 weeks, while the others were made to continue with their medical therapy. The classes were conducted by certified instructors of Iyengar yoga. 
 

At the end of the period it was found that those practicing yoga had improved considerably and had very less pain as compared to the others. They were far less depressed also.