EBP Week 2 Erin Gaylor- Yoga and Neck Pain Reduction

EBP Week 2 by Erin Gaylor

Lit Review Summary:

A study published in Pain Medicine in 2013 assessed the effects of a 9-week yoga group intervention for fifty-one patients with chronic, nonspecific neck pain.  The study was a randomized, controlled trial conducted in the Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine at an academic teaching hospital in Essen, Germany.   The patients were randomized to either a yoga group or a wait-list control group.  The treatment consisted of weekly 90-minute yoga classes over a 9-week period.  The classes were lead by a certified lyengar yoga instructor and physiotherapist and the program was specifically designed for patients with chronic neck pain without previous experience in yoga.  Patients were given a manual describing and depicting different postures and were asked to continue daily yoga practice at home.

The results were assessed three times during the trial.  One week after the first assessment, the yoga group began yoga classes, and the control group was given a manual for home-usage.  Both groups attended a second assessment after 10 weeks.  One week later, the control group began the yoga intervention.  The third assessment was completed 12 months after first assessment for the yoga group and 12 months after the second assessment for the control group. 

The results assessed pain intensity using the visual analogue scale.  From baseline to 12-month follow-up, pain intensity improved overall in the group by a mean of 31.16%.  Neck-related disability also decreased from a score of 25.26 to 19.49 as measured by the neck disability index.  A regression analysis revealed that improvements in pain intensity were predicted by higher baseline pain intensity and higher weekly minutes of yoga practice.  This study provided evidence that yoga can be used for both short-term and long-term pain relief of chronic, nonspecific neck pain.

References:

Cramer, H., Lauche, R., Hohmann, C., Langhorst, J., & Dobos, G. (2013). Yoga for chronic neck pain: a 12-month follow-up. Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.), 14(4), 541-548. doi:10.1111/pme.12053

Again, I have the PDF article if anyone wants it or knows how to attach it to this post! Thanks! Enjoy :)

Link to article