A 2009 study in the science journal Spine concluded that yoga improves functional disability, pain intensity and depression in adults with chronic low back pain.
Turns out yoga enthusiasts have been correct claiming yoga as an effective remedy for back pain, and while other studies have backed up their claims this latest research actually suggests that yoga is more effective than treatment with Western medicine.
As researcher Kimberly Williams, PhD, of West Virginia University's Department of Community Medicine says, "This is a much bigger, much more rigorous evaluation than had been done before."
Subjects participated in two Iyengar- style yoga classes a week for six months. Not only did the new yogis report significant improvements and benefits, but also, compared to the control group, they reduced their need for pain medication. Do your own back health research-on the yoga mat.