New Study Finds Yoga May Heal Chronic Back Pain

New Study Finds Yoga May Heal Chronic Back Pain

Dr. Mallika Marshall

(CBS4) BOSTON Yoga has been around for centuries, but modern medicine continues to learn more benefits from the exercise. A new study finds it may be able to do wonders for a sore back.

Anne Marie Salmeri likes to stay active. She's been an avid runner for years, but had to quit because of constant back pain.

Pain relievers only masked the problem, so Salmeri turned to yoga.

After just two months of doing the stretching and strengthening poses, Salmeri says her back pain is much better and she's jogging once again.

Millions of Americans suffer lower back pain and many may be hesitant to believe yoga can help. But a study in the annals of internal medicine says the ancient exercise can be effective. And physicians are becoming believers.

Dr. Joseph Herrera, of Mt. Sinai Medical Center, has started prescribing yoga for some of his back pain patients.

"Not only are you addressing the physical component of low back pain, you're also addressing the psychological component," said Herrera.

The psychological component involves breathing and meditation. And it's not just for back pain.

Studies have shown yoga can improve symptoms involved with asthma, arthritis and even diseases like AIDS and cancer.

How?

Some believe the practice settles the mind and body.

Similar relaxers like massage, acupuncture and even prayer have been shown to improve health. But instructor April Puchiata believes yoga offers another benefit.

"It strengthens the muscles … you do a lot of abdominal strengthening, which helps back pain," said Puchiata. "It strengthens the back muscles."

Whatever it is, Salmeri is happy with the results and plans to stick with yoga on a regular basis.

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