About this trial
Chronic low back pain is a prevalent condition among VA patients, but many current treatment options have side effects or limited effectiveness. Veterans with chronic low back pain (cLBP) experience increased disability, functional challenges, and reduced quality of life. A prior VA funded study of Yoga for VA patients with cLBP found that yoga can reduce pain and disability at 3 and 6 months after enrollment. However, the long-term effects and maintenance of yoga practice is unknown. The current study will test an intervention designed to promote long-term yoga practice and long-term health outcome benefits at 12 and 18 months after enrollment.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
VA patients
Diagnosis of chronic low back pain > 3 months
Pain rated 4/10 or higher
No new pain treatments in the past month
Disqualifiers
Back surgery within the last 1 year
Pain due to specific systemic (e.g., scleroderma, fibromyalgia) or non-musculoskeletal problem (neuropathy)
Positive Romberg test (with or without sensory neuropathy)
Severe vertebral disk problems, sciatica or nerve compression >3 months
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Standard Yoga
- Enhanced Yoga