Yoga for People in Pain

Abstract

Chronic pain is a common and important problem, but many healthcare practitioners, even those in pain management settings, do not have a clear understanding of modern pain science. Misconceptions about pain can be a major roadblock to effective interventions, including Yoga therapy. This paper introduces the latest conceptual understanding of how the nervous system experiences pain, and then addresses the limitations and inaccuracies of common beliefs about pain. The paper then applies this new understanding of pain to Yoga therapy for people in persistent pain. Research on Yoga for chronic pain is reviewed, and general guidelines for teaching Yoga to people with pain are offered. Modern science does not support a highly prescriptive approach to âsana or Yoga practice for those with chronic pain. However, a holistic, individualized approach to Yoga therapy is an effective strategy for helping people with chronic pain.