Virtual yoga classes may offer a promising treatment option for individuals suffering from chronic low back pain (CLBP), according to a study published on November 1 in JAMA Network Open.
Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic led by Dr. Hallie Tankha found that participating in online yoga sessions significantly reduced pain, improved function, and decreased reliance on pain medications among CLBP patients.
The study evaluated 140 adults, aged 18 to 64, who were assigned to either a virtual yoga group or a wait-list control group. Over a 12-week period, participants in the yoga group engaged in weekly, 60-minute online classes. Researchers assessed pain intensity, back-related function, sleep quality, and use of pain medications in both groups at the 12-week mark and again at 24 weeks.
Results showed notable benefits for the virtual yoga group. By week 12, participants reported a significant reduction in pain intensity, with an average decrease of 1.5 points on a pain scale, compared to those on the wait-list. The Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), which measures back-related function, also reflected improved outcomes for the yoga group, with a reduction of 2.8 points.
These improvements continued to show at 24 weeks, where yoga participants experienced a further decrease in mean pain intensity by 2.3 points and an additional 4.6-point drop in RMDQ scores. Furthermore, participants in the virtual yoga group reported reduced reliance on pain medication, with a 21.4% lower rate of analgesic use than the control group at both 12 and 24 weeks. Improvements in sleep quality were also observed, with average sleep scores increasing by 0.4 points at both time points.
“Through reducing barriers to in-person participation, virtual yoga classes may be a feasible, safe, and effective treatment option for CLBP,” the study authors noted.
The researchers highlighting the potential for online programs to provide accessible pain management for patients with limited mobility or scheduling constraints.
With chronic low back pain affecting millions worldwide, these findings suggest that virtual yoga may serve as a cost-effective and flexible alternative for those seeking pain relief without dependence on medication. As digital health solutions continue to expand, virtual yoga could become an integral part of chronic pain management for many.
With input from Physician’s Weekly.
