Anyone with chronic back pain will tell you that the condition can make life difficult at times. For some, it prevents them from working entirely. For others, it hinders their ability to seek an active lifestyle.

Researchers are always revisiting chronic pain and what causes it. Recent studies about severe back pain have revealed a somewhat surprising ally for back pain sufferers: yoga.

Not everyone with back pain is even able to try yoga. But for those who can, the ancient practice can be beneficial, even if it does not reduce the pain itself.

British researchers recently found that doing yoga helps some people with back pain perform tasks and move around more easily. Another study at the University of Washington found that the pain itself could be reduced for those who seek out instructor-led yoga classes.

The British study involved 300 patients (mostly women) suffering from back pain. Half continued their normal treatment for back pain, including medication and massage. They were also given a booklet for self-education. The other half was also offered an instructor-led 12 session yoga class. Throughout the entire period, those who took the class reported better back function.

Patients in this study, however, did not report reduced back pain. But they did appear to express more confidence, possibly due to improved function. There were also apparently no negative side effects, according to a USA Today article.

Yoga may not be the answer for everyone, but trying it may offer a pleasant surprise in terms of results. What do you think?

Source: USA Today, "Yoga gets women with chronic, back pain moving," Alan Mozes, Nov. 1, 2011