yoga and chronic LBP

[Guest guest]

OR

DCs,

Abstract

below…link to full text…http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/full/143/12/849

So

is the effect due to physiology or prana?

Comparing

Yoga, Exercise, and a Self-Care Book for Chronic Low Back Pain

A

Randomized, Controlled Trial

J. Sherman, PhD, MPH;

C. Cherkin, PhD; Janet Erro, RN, MN, PNP;

L. Miglioretti, PhD; and A. Deyo, MD, MPH

20 December 2005 | Volume 143 Issue 12

| Pages 849-856

Background: Chronic low back pain is a common

problem that has only modestly effective treatment options.

Objective: To determine whether yoga is more

effective than conventional therapeutic exercise or a self-care book

for patients with chronic low back pain.

Design: Randomized, controlled trial.

Setting: A nonprofit, integrated health care

system.

Patients: 101 adults with chronic low back

pain.

Intervention: 12-week sessions of yoga or conventional

therapeutic exercise classes or a self-care book.

Measurements: Primary outcomes were back-related

functional status (modified 24-point Roland Disability Scale) and

" bothersomeness " of pain (11-point numerical scale). The

primary time point was 12 weeks. Clinically significant change was

considered to be 2.5 points on the functional status scale and 1.5

points on the bothersomeness scale. Secondary outcomes were days of

restricted activity, general health status, and medication use.

Results: After adjustment for baseline

values, back-related function in the yoga group was superior to the

book and exercise groups at 12 weeks (yoga vs. book: mean

difference, –3.4 [95% CI, –5.1 to – 1.6] [P < 0.001]; yoga vs. exercise:

mean difference, –1.8 [CI, –3.5 to – 0.1] [P = 0.034]). No significant differences in

symptom bothersomeness were found between any 2 groups at 12 weeks;

at 26 weeks, the yoga group was superior to the book group with

respect to this measure (mean difference, –2.2 [CI, –3.2

to – 1.2]; P

< 0.001). At 26 weeks, back-related function in the yoga group

was superior to the book group (mean difference, –3.6 [CI,

–5.4 to – 1.8]; P

< 0.001).

Limitations: Participants in this study were

followed for only 26 weeks after randomization. Only 1 instructor

delivered each intervention.

Conclusions: Yoga was more effective than a

self-care book for improving function and reducing chronic low back

pain, and the benefits persisted for at least several months.

A. Simpson, DC

Vice President, Medical Director

Complementary Healthcare Plans

6600 SW 105th

Avenue, Suite 115

Beaverton, OR 97008

503-619-2041

csimpson@...