Medication is a frequent first line of defense in chronic pain, but true multidisciplinary pain management goes well beyond simply numbing the pain — and research has shown that somewhat alternative methods of treatment, like yoga and Tai Chi, can help reduce chronic pain and improve quality of life.
One Seattle-based study found that gentle stretching and yoga not only netted more positive outcomes for patients suffering from lower back pain, but also helped with back functionality and mobility.
“We expected back pain to ease more with yoga than with stretching, so our findings surprised us… Our results suggest that both yoga and stretching can be good, safe options for people who are willing to try physical activity to relieve their moderate low back pain” Dr. Karen J. Sherman ,of the Group Health Research Institute in Seattle, says. She adds that it’s important for classes to be taught by instructors who can tailor the difficulty and adjust stretches and postures to accommodate participants’ physical limitations.
Tai chi, too, has been found to relieve lower back pain in a way that is both safe and simple — the slow, graceful movements allow for controlled motions, and require little equipment or investment.
If you’re curious about your other pain management options, be sure to contact us.
Source: www.komonews.com; April 12, 2013.