The secret has been revealed.
People suffering from low back pain may want to explore qigong, an ancient Chinese mind-body exercise, according to a recent study. Qigong, similar to tai chi, involves slow, fluid movements and still, meditative postures that help relieve tension and improve flexibility.
In the study, veterans who practiced qigong for eight weeks reported reduced pain and better sleep compared to a control group that did not participate. Cheryl Krause-Parello, a senior researcher and associate vice president for research at Florida Atlantic University, noted that qigong’s techniques of stretching, loosening, and balancing may help release tension, alleviate pain, and enhance alignment and flexibility.
The study involved 10 veterans with chronic low back pain who were randomly assigned to an eight-week qigong course, while 12 others were placed on a waitlist as a control group. Chronic pain, particularly back pain, is a common issue among veterans, affecting between 40% and 70% of this population. The researchers noted that opioids are often prescribed to manage pain, increasing the risk of addiction and overdose.
Qigong offers a non-drug alternative to pain management by focusing on balancing the body’s energy, known as “qi” or life force. Its gentle movements aim to strengthen the musculoskeletal system, improve joint flexibility, and enhance posture, all of which can help alleviate pain and improve both physical and mental health outcomes for veterans.
After completing the eight-week program, qigong participants experienced reduced pain intensity and disability, better sleep, and lower levels of biological markers associated with pain, such as pro-inflammatory chemicals. The researchers suggest that health care providers working with patients who suffer from low back pain should consider incorporating qigong as a nonpharmacological treatment option to improve overall well-being.
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