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Review Papers | Yoga and Meditation | India | Volume 14 Issue 1, January 2025 | Rating: 6.1 / 10
A Comprehensive Review of Yoga Interventions for Chronic Low Back Pain: Efficacy, Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications
Siddappa Naragatti
Abstract: Objective: Chronic low back pain (LBP) is a common and debilitating condition that impacts quality of life. Conventional treatments often provide limited relief or have adverse effects, creating a need for alternative therapies. Yoga, integrating physical postures, breathing, and meditation, has emerged as a potential intervention for chronic LBP. This review aims to assess the efficacy of yoga for LBP, its underlying mechanisms, and clinical applications. Methods: A comprehensive review of literature from 2000 to 2023, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, and clinical trials, was conducted. The review focuses on studies examining the effects of yoga on pain intensity, functional disability, mental health, and overall quality of life for chronic LBP sufferers. Results: Yoga was found to significantly reduce pain and improve functional outcomes in chronic LBP. Various yoga styles, such as hatha, vinyasa, and restorative yoga, enhanced spinal flexibility, strengthened core muscles, and improved posture. Yoga also contributed to better mental health, reducing anxiety, depression, and stress, which could improve pain tolerance. Mechanistically, yoga alleviates LBP through muscle tension reduction, spinal alignment, relaxation via breathing, and activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. Conclusion: Yoga is an effective, non - invasive treatment for chronic low back pain, addressing both physical and psychological factors. While the evidence supports its efficacy, further large - scale trials are needed to standardize protocols and investigate long - term effects. Integrating yoga into clinical practice offers a promising, holistic approach to managing LBP.
Keywords: Yoga, Chronic low back pain, Functional Disability, Intervention
Edition: Volume 14 Issue 1, January 2025,
Pages: 840 - 849