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Yoga May Help Relieve Low-Back Pain for Some

Yoga Chronic, low-back pain – a common problem that’s often difficult to treat – may be eased with the practice of yoga, according to two studies.

But before anyone rolls out their yoga mat for the first time, they should understand that yoga does not replace conventional medical care. It should also not be used to postpone seeing a doctor or health care provider for any pain.

Current research suggests that yoga poses can reduce low-back pain and improve the ability to walk and move, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Studies also suggest that practicing yoga regularly may also reduce heart rate and blood pressure and help relieve anxiety and depression. Yoga has also been shown to improve overall physical fitness, strength and flexibility.

Benefits found:

  • One study of 90 people with chronic low-back pain found that after six months of practicing yoga, they had significantly less pain, disability and depression.
  • A 2011 study found that people who did yoga and conventional stretching exercises had better results than when they followed a self-care book for chronic low-back pain.

Studies on how yoga affects osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis have been inconclusive.

Before taking a yoga class, it’s important to make sure the instructor is well-trained. Some yoga teacher programs require hundreds of hours of training while others require very little. Professional organizations can often recommend certified instructors.

Hot yoga, which has become a popular trend in recent years, is when the room is heated as high as 105 degrees.

People interested in trying hot yoga should consult their physician first. People who have heart disease, lung disease and a prior history of heatstroke may want to avoid this type of practice. Many hot yoga classes recommend drinking water before, during and after a hot yoga class.

Source: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

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