The effects of yoga on patients chronic pain

Abstract

Chronic pain is a challenging and costly medical problem. Interest has increased in the use of complementary alternative medicine (CAM) as a cost-effective way to manage chronic pain. The present program was initiated to assess the effects of Hatha yoga on patients with diagnoses of fibromyalgia or osteoarthritis with chronic pain. Pain and life interference ratings were examined pre and post yoga sessions, using the Brief Pain Inventory. Worst, least and current pain levels were found to decrease after the yoga sessions along with a decrease in normal work interference and enjoyment of life interference. Alternative explanations due to selection and experimental mortality could not be ruled out. A one group pre/post design was used. There was no control group. Study limitations and further research implications are discussed.