Yoga for back pain

In one episode of the TV show “Louie,” comedian Louis C.K.’s character is suffering from back pain.

His doctor says there’s nothing he can do to ease the discomfort, because “the back isn’t done evolving yet ... it’s gonna take another, I’d say, 20,000 years to get straightened out.” The only thing the doc suggests is that Louie try “walking” on all fours.

Wrong! There’s a lot you can do to feel better! Ninety percent of low-back pain can be eased or banished completely using stress management, exercise and meds, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and/or muscle relaxers.

Your first move: Stress management, followed by physical therapy. But don’t worry if your insurance doesn’t cover it. You may pay for one session out-ofpocket ($75 to $125) to learn basic stretches you can do at home, or you can try yoga. According to a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine, yoga, which combines stress management and physical activity, is just as effective as physical therapy for easing back pain, improving movement and reducing use of pain medications.

Researchers followed 320 people with back pain for 12 weeks.

The participants received PT, weekly yoga classes or educational materials on back pain. By the end, both the yoga and PT groups had equally beneficial outcomes — and benefits lasted for a year after the study!

Tip: If you decide to try yoga, tell your instructor about your back problems, and discuss what you can/should or can’t/ shouldn’t do.

You also can find online videos with yoga routines tailored to back pain.