Health Systems Could use Virtual Yoga to Help Manage Back Pain

Just 12 weeks of online yoga classes could significantly relieve pain, improve functioning, and provide better sleep for patients suffering from chronic lower back pain (cLBP), while virtual yoga reduced participants reliance on pain relieving medications., according to new data published in JAMA Network Open. 

“The key takeaway for both patients and physicians is that virtual yoga provides a flexible, accessible alternative to in-person yoga classes, overcoming common barriers such as transportation, scheduling conflicts, and geographic limitations.” said study author Hallie Tankha, PhD, of the Department of Wellness and Preventive Medicine at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. 

In the study, the researchers recruited patients with cLBP from the Cleveland Clinic Employee Health Plan and randomized them to either 12-weeks of virtual yoga (n=71) or a wait-list control group (n=69). Participant’s pain was measured at baseline, week 6, week 12, and week 24 (12 weeks after the yoga course ended). An 11-point numeric rating scale: (0 = no pain and 10 = worst possible pain) was used to record pain scores. The Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) was used to assess patients’ function (higher scores on the RMDQ reflect poorer function). 

Pain intensity reductions were a mean of 1.3, 1.5 and 2.3 greater among those who were enrolled in the active yoga program rather than those on the wait list at 6,12, and 24 weeks respectively. Similarly, RMDQ score decreases had a mean reduction of 2.4. 2.8 and 4.6 points greater in the active yoga group versus the waiting group at 6, 12 and 24 weeks respectively. Additionally, 34% fewer participants in the intervention group reporting the use of opioids or other pain-relieving medications than in the waiting group. 

“We believe the implications [of this study] can be generalized beyond just the health system employee group. The outcomes align with previous research on yoga for pain management, suggesting that virtual yoga can be an effective and scalable option for individuals nationwide. As healthcare systems increasingly adopt virtual solutions, this model of care could reach even more individuals with chronic low back pain,” Tanka said. 

— Myles Starr