Pain medication use by participants in a yoga dosing study for chronic low back pain

Objective: Prescription medications are the most commonly prescribed therapies for people suffering from acute and chronic lower back pain. In this study, we aim to understand the effects of once- and twice-weekly yoga on pain medication usage in participants suffering from chronic low back pain (cLBP).

Methods: The Yoga Dosing Study was a 12-week RCT comparing once- vs. twice-weekly standardized 75-minute hatha yoga classes for 95 adults with nonspecific cLBP. Recruitment and classes occurred at a large safety-net hospital and five affiliated community health centers. Primary outcomes measured at 12 weeks were average back pain intensity in the previous week (0-10), back-related function (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire), and pain medication use (yes/no) during the previous week. We collected data on pain medication use, dosage and type (NSAID, opiate, acetaminophen, or other) during baseline, 6, and 12 week surveys.

Results: No statistically significant differences in overall pain medication use were found between the two groups at baseline (1x/wk= 71%, 2x/wk=74%). After 6 weeks, pain medication use decreased in both the once- and twice-weekly groups by 27% and 35%, respectively. There was a significant decrease in NSAID use in both groups. Opiate use decreased in both groups, but it was not significant. There was no significant difference in overall medication use between the 6 and 12 week survey dates.

Conclusions: Pain medication use decreased similarly in participants engaged in once- or twice-weekly yoga classes. Further analyses of specific doses used will be performed and presented.