Cleveland Clinic researchers found that a 12-week therapeutic virtual yoga program for chronic low back pain can be a feasible, safe and effective treatment option. The findings are published in JAMA Network Open.

Chronic low back pain is very common -- up to 20% of adults worldwide have long-lasting or recurrent lower back pain. In severe cases, the pain can make it difficult to walk, sleep, work or do daily activities.

Clinical guidelines recommend the use of non-pharmacologic treatments first, such as physical therapy or in-person yoga classes. With this study, researchers examined whether virtual yoga classes would also be effective for the treatment of chronic low back pain. The findings show that participants who practiced virtual yoga classes reported reduced back pain intensity and improved back-related function.

"Attending yoga classes in person can be challenging," said Robert Saper, M.D., MPH, chair of the Department of Wellness and Preventive Medicine at Cleveland Clinic, and senior author of the study. "This research shows that a virtual yoga class program can be a safe and effective therapeutic option for the treatment of chronic low back pain."

Know more: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241101123525.htm