Yoga is an effective activity for reducing chronic pain. In low back pain such as osteoarthritis, an adapted practice is beneficial.
Positions of the cobra, the lotus, the god of the wind… This yogi jargon is probably foreign to many people. But those who suffer from low back pain would do well to take an interest in it. Because yoga can be beneficial on pain, concludes an article published by the Cochrane Review.
Straight column, locked abs, deep breath: these are the basics of many yoga poses. The vertebrae benefit from this, in view of the conclusions of this review of the literature. 12 randomized trials, involving a total of 1,080 people, were analyzed by the authors. This practice, which combines body and mind, has been compared to other types of physical activity and to a simple sedentary lifestyle. But the exercises, in all cases, were adapted to the pain of the participants.
A modest decline
Over a period of 6 to 12 months, yoga reduces pain and increases the physical capabilities of the lower back, compared to no physical practice. “Our results suggest that yoga may lead to a reduction in symptoms associated with low back pain, in a modest way, but the results come from studies with a short follow-up,” says Susan Wieland, who signs this work. At the moment, we have low to moderate quality evidence on the effects of yoga within six months ”.
In rare cases, the suffering is increased instead of decreasing. But the researchers conclude that this risk is similar to that associated with more traditional sport.
This is in line with the current recommendations. People with low back pain are encouraged to practice regular physical activity, especially yoga. But to reach a definitive conclusion, the Cochrane review authors stress that larger trials, with longer follow-up, are needed.
Profits from the chair
A second study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, will also ask for confirmation. But the results are encouraging. The object of the research: yoga… in a chair! 131 adults suffering from osteoarthritis of the lower limbs tested this new discipline. At the rate of 2 sessions of 45 minutes per week, they benefited from lessons for about two months.
Even practiced in a chair, yoga is shown to be effective in reducing pain. This first randomized trial bears witness to this. It goes even further: patients see their flexibility and balance improve markedly. All without drug treatment. A real glimmer of hope at a time when most drugs are delisted.
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