The Effect of Yoga in Chronic Low Back Pain

Chronic LBP is a major public health problem associated with functional and psychological
disability. Conservative interventions are often prescribed to people suffering from chronic
LBP, but alternative interventions like yoga are not well researched. The regulator practice
of yoga may improve pain, disability or quality of life in people with chronic LBP.

Study participation will last approximately 24 weeks. Yoga sessions will last 12 weeks for 2
one hour sessions per week

Inclusion Criteria:

- a history of chronic LBP with degenerative joint or disc disease > than 3 months
(47-48)

- present with at least minimal pain (3 out on a 0 - 10 pain scale where 0 = no pain,
10 = maximum pain imaginable)

- disability (30% or more per Oswestry Disability Scale),

- score more than 24 on the Folstein Mini-Mental State Exam

- English comprehending individuals naïve to structured yoga practice

Exclusion Criteria:

- known current pregnancy

- claustrophobia

- glaucoma

- significant or chronic decline in immune function such as reported immune related
diagnosis like pneumonia or systemic infection

- LBP resulting from something other than disc or joint disease

- spinal stenosis, spinal fusion or other orthopedic surgery in the past six months

- mental disease/psychosis such as dementia

- prior history of chronic neurological disorders (e.g. stroke, Parkinson's disease,
multiple sclerosis)

- fibromyalgia

- radiculopathy

- standard MRI exclusion criteria

- inability to make regular time commitments

- no transportation means to the scheduled yoga sessions

- experience with regular practice of yoga within the past year.