Yoga for neuropathic pain due to lumbar disc herniation: read the latest research

Study design : Randomized controlled trial.

Objective : To investigate the effect of a yoga exercise program based on stretching and strengthening on neuropathic pain due to lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

Background Data Summary : Lumbar disc herniation with neuropathic pain adversely affects treatment outcomes. Most yoga poses include spinal training parameters and contribute to reducing pain and disability in patients with low back injuries. We hypothesized that yoga would have a positive effect on both LDH and neuropathic pain by increasing mobility, core strength, and spinal flexibility.

Method : A total of 48 patients with neuropathic pain due to LDH were randomly assigned to a control group and a yoga group. All patients followed an educational program. In addition, the yoga group practiced a selected, taught, and performed yoga exercise for one hour twice a week for 12 weeks. Neuropathic pain, back pain, disability, and functionality were measured before treatment and at one-, three-, and six-month follow-ups. Patient global assessment was applied at the six-month follow-up. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed in this study, which is a statistical analysis that is based on the initial intentions to treat in evaluating an experiment.

Results: Intention-to-treat analysis showed a statistically significant difference in neuropathic pain, patient global assessment, back pain, disability, and function in favor of the yoga group after treatment. The effect sizes between groups were moderate at the six-month follow-up.

Conclusion: It was determined that selected yoga exercise, based on stretching and strengthening, could represent a promising therapeutic option for neuropathic pain due to lumbar disc herniation (LDH).