Viniyoga: Gentle Form of Yoga Effective for Back Pain

Yoga improves strength and flexibility, while relieving muscle tension and focusing on the mind-body connection. About 14 million Americans reportedly practice yoga, of which one million use it to reduce back pain. Researchers compared three types of treatments in a group of 101 chronic back pain patients. Study participants were randomly assigned to be in one of three treatment groups:

• viniyoga (a gentle form of yoga)
• aerobic exercise
• self-help book

The viniyoga group showed significant positive results compared to the other two treatment groups. The findings were reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Not all yoga styles are the same though. Some types of yoga may be too vigorous for people with back pain.

• Yoga for Arthritis
• Yoga at About.com
• The Back Pain Quiz
• Guide to Lower Back Pain

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