Recently Dr Kimberly Williams concluded years of research studying people with chronic lower back problems. she found that those who did Iyengar Yoga were better at overcoming pain and depression than those who followed conventional treatments for lower back pain.

The three-year study showed that the group that did yoga had lifted mood, less pain and improved function compared to the control group that received standard medical therapy.

Proponents of yoga have often described how it helps back pain, but not everyone was convinced so Williams and colleagues conducted this research, which they say is the biggest and most rigorous evaluation ever done.

Williams told the media that: “Yoga improves functional disability, pain intensity, and depression in adults with CLBP [chronic low-back pain].”

“There was also a clinically important trend for the yoga group to reduce their pain medication usage compared to the control group,” she added.

Iyengar Yoga emphasizes postures and breathing that promote strength, flexibility and balance.

Almost all types of Yoga will help. Don’t get stuck on a name. But if you intend to do Yoga, have a chat with your teacher and ask him to make you work on your back posture. Some Yoga positions are dedicated to strenghen your back.

Dr Kimberly Williams is a research assistant professor in the Department of Community Medicine at West Virginia University in Morgantown. Her study can be read online in the 1st  September issue of the journal Spine. [no link as you have to pay for that journal, but if you're ready to pay it's here]