28/07/2026
Would you call yourself a backpain warrior? Students with sore lower backs often say they feel much better after yoga class. Did you know that way back in 2009 a study was done in America to evaluate the effectiveness and efficacy of Iyengar Yoga Therapy on chronic lower back pain? Ninety people between the ages of 18 and 70 took part, participating in 24 weeks of Iyengar Yoga consisting of two 90 minute classes per week in a fully equipped Iyengar Yoga Studio, led by a Certified Iyengar teacher with two assistants who were experienced in yoga therapy for people with chronic lower back pain. Participants also agreed to do 30 minutes practice at home on the days they didn't attend class. Participants were required to be able to get up and down from the floor without needing assistance. Some back conditions were excluded, like osteoporosis with vertebral fractures. See the link above for the full list of exclusions, (although some of those conditions could be helped in a one-on-one class).
The 90 subjects were randomised to a yoga (n=43) or control group (n=47) receiving standard medical care. (The control group was offered yoga at the completion of the study).
The sequence was devised by Certified Iyengar Yoga teacher Lois Steinberg PhD and included many of the things we do in class, like leg stretches on the floor and lying on your back with your calves resting on a chair.
After 24 weeks, significantly greater reductions in functional disability and pain intensity were observed in the yoga group when compared to the control group. Depression was significantly lower in the yoga subjects. The yoga group also reduced its pain medication use over the course of the study.
Importantly, the improvements for the yoga group in functional ability, pain intensity and depression were still there at the six month follow-up.
The key points of the study are:
* Iyengar Yoga decreases functional disability
* Trend toward lower pain medication after yoga
* Clinically important improvements in functional disability and pain intensity after yoga
*Yoga-related reductions in functional disability, pain intensity and depression were maintained at the 6 month follow-up.
If you'd like to join our new Back Care Class on Sunday September 13 at 4-5.30pm, enrol here. Once you know how to look after your back you can easily join any of the Beginner/General classes.
