When it comes to treating back pain, you may be better off signing up for a yoga class than going to the doctor. That’s the findings of several studies all released within the last week.
In a large scale British study people with long term back pain were divided into two groups. Half of them took a 12-week course of yoga and the others received standard health care from a medical professional.
Three months later, the group who participated in yoga was able to take part in 30 percent more activities compared to those who went to the doctor. They also experienced a reduction in pain. The differences in the two groups were pronounced. The yoga group was able to walk faster, stand up for long periods of time and dress without assistance.
Back pain is an extremely costly condition. At some point in our lives, we all suffer from some pain whether it’s from lifting a heavy item, sitting at a desk all day, or straining ourselves without knowing it. Standard care offers treatment of the symptoms: anti-inflammatory drugs or cortisone shots. When those fail to provide relief, surgery often becomes an option. All those treatments add up quickly and have varied side effects. And unfortunately, some of the most costly approaches do not prove the most effective.
According to the study results, yoga provides short and long term benefits to those suffering from chronic or recurrent back pain. And there are no serious side effects.
A University of Washington study revealed the same findings. In that study patients were divided into three groups. One group took a weekly 75-minute yoga class, the second took a weekly 75-minute stretching class, and the final group received a book on self-care which did include stretches but did not take a class. Patients who had been taking anti-inflammatory medicine before the study were allowed to continue.
That research showed both yoga and stretching classes was good at relieving chronic moderate lower back pain. Self-care just didn’t get the job done. As in the other study, participants who took a class were able to take part in more of life’s daily activities. They were also more likely to cut back on any medication they were taking.
For those suffering from pain, a beginner’s yoga class or an intensive stretching program is recommended. But researchers from the latter study say, exercise prescription is recommended only for people who are willing and able to move. Patients who are unable to move their body and have severe back pain should not try to “stretch it out.”
If you are suffering from back pain, experts warn that not all classes are the same. It’s hard to find someone who specializes in back pain. You probably aren’t going to find a trainer in the gym to help you unless he or she holds a special certification. Stretching classes should focus on a therapeutic orientation and the yoga class should be geared specifically for lower back pain.
Classes are more expensive the trying to handle back pain on your own. But in the long run, taking a class is much more effective than dealing with it on your own, and cheaper than taking medicine on a long term basis or seeking out other treatments.
By: MICHELLE FISCUS
No comments:
Post a Comment