Chronic pain is a common and important problem, but many healthcare practitioners, even those in pain management settings, do not have a clear understanding of modern pain science. Misconceptions about pain can be a major roadblock to effective interventions, including Yoga therapy.
It is important for practitioners to understand the latest conceptual understanding of how the nervous system experiences pain, including the concepts of sensitisation, neuroplasticity and mindfulness.
It’s equally important for practitioners to addresses with patients the limitations and inaccuracies of common beliefs about pain, to assist with active self-management.
Modern science supports a holistic, individualised approach to Yoga therapy as an effective strategy for helping people with chronic pain.
References:
1. Pearson, N. (2008). Yoga for people in pain. International Journal of Yoga Therapy, 18(1), 77-86.
2. Williams K, Abildso C, Steinberg L, et al. Evaluation of the effective¬ness and efficacy of Iyengar yoga therapy on chronic low back pain. Spine. 2009;34(19):2066-76.
3. Sherman K, Cherkin D, Erro J, et al. Comparing yoga, exercise, and a self-care book for chronic low back pain. Annals of Internal Medicine 2005;143(12):849-856.
4. Saper RB, Sherman KJ, Cullum-Dugan D, Davis RB, Phillips RS, Culpepper L. Yoga for chronic low back pain in a predominantly minor¬ity population: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2009;15(6):18-27.
5. Williams KA, Petronis J, Smith D, et al. Effect of Iyengar yoga therapy for chronic low back pain. Pain. 2005;115(1-2):107-117.