Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Yoga in Pain Management

  • Chapter
Integrative Pain Medicine

Part of the book series: Contemporary Pain Medicine ((CPM))

Summary

Yoga is a practice that has evolved and survived over thousands of years, its teachings adapting to many cultures and eras of history. Until recently, yoga was known in the West mostly for the extraordinary feats of its adepts: voluntarily stopping and then restarting of the heart, holding the breath for extended periods, or contortionist positions of the body. Now, with more cross-fertilization in all aspects of physical fitness, yoga has become mainstream. What may be lost in this process is the greater picture of where yoga came from, what it is, and its many uses, including medical pain relief. This chapter is meant to acquaint the reader more fully with the practice of yoga and its potential roles within an integrative pain medicine practice.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali. 1982. Translated and Introduced by Alistair Shearer. New York: Bell Tower, p. 26.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Feuerstein G. The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali: A New Translation and Commentary. Inner Tradit Int 1991.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Taimni IK. 1994. The Science of Yoga. Theosophical Publishing House.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Feuerstein G. 2003. The Deeper Dimensions of Yoga, Shambhala Books, p. 10.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Cushman A. New light on Yoga. Yoga J 1999;44–49.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Norman S. 1996. The Yoga Tradition of the Mysore Palace. South Asia Books (Referred to in Cushman).

    Google Scholar 

  7. Lazar SW, Kerr CE, Wasserman RH, Gray JR, Greve DN, Treadway MT, McGarvey M, Quinn BT, Dusek JA, Benson H, Rauch SL, Moore CI, Fischl B. Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness. Neuroreport 2005;16(17):1893–1897.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Peng, C, Henry, IC, Mietus, JE, Hausdorff, JM, Khalsa, G, Benson, H, Gokdberger, AL. Heart rate dynamics during three forms of meditation Int J Cardiol 2004;95(1):19–27.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Granit, R., Holmgren, B. Two pathways from brain stem to gamma ventral horn cells. Acta Physiol Scand 1955;35: 9–108.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Sekiguchi H, Nakazawa K, Suzuki S. Differences in recruitment properties of the corticospinal pathway between lengthening and shortening contractions in human soleus muscle. Brain Res 2003;977(2):169–179.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Granit R. 1955. Receptors and Sensory Perception. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press:

    Google Scholar 

  12. Telles S, Hanumanthaiah BH, Nagarathna R, Nagendra HR. Plasticity of motor control systems demonstrated by yoga training. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 1994;38(2):143–144.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. DiBenedetto M, Innes KE, Taylor AG, Rodeheaver PF, Boxer JA, Wright HJ, Kerrigan DC. Effect of a gentle Iyengar yoga program on gait in the elderly: an exploratory study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2005; 86:1830–1837.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Raghuraj P, Telles S. Effect of yoga-based and forced uninostril breathing on the autonomic nervous system. Percept Mot Skills 2003;96(1):79–80.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Brown RP, Gerbarg PL. Sudarshan Kriya yogic breathing in the treatment of stress, anxiety, and depression: part I—neurophysiologic model. J Altern Complement Med 2005;11(1):189–201 (Erratum in: J Altern Complement Med. 2005;11(2):383–384).

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Deckro GR, Ballinger KM, Hoyt M, Wilcher M, Dusek J, Myers P, Greenberg B, Rosenthal DS, Benson H. The evaluation of a mind/body intervention to reduce psychological distress and perceived stress in college students. J Am Coll Health 2002;50(6):281–287

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Stefano GB, Esch T, Cadet P, Zhu W, Mantione K, Benson H. Endocannabinoids as autoregulatory signaling molecules: coupling to nitric oxide and a possible association with the relaxation response. Med Sci Monit 2003;9(4)RA:63–75.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Garfinkel JS, Singhal A, Katz WA, Allan DA, Reshetar R, Schumacher HR. Yoga-based intervention for carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized trial. J Am Med Assoc 1998;280(18):1601–1603.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Koleck M, Mazaux JM, Rascle N, Bruchon-Schweitzer M. Psycho-social factors and coping strategies as predictors of chronic evolution and quality of life in patients with low back pain: a prospective study. Eur J Pain 2006;10(1):1–11.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Long L, Huntley A, Ernst E. Which complementary and alternative therapies benefit which conditions? A survey of the opinions of 223 professional organizations. Complement Ther Med 2001;9(3): 178–185.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Williams AL, Selwyn PA, Liberti L, Molde S, Njike VY, McCorkle R, Zelterman D, Katz DL. A randomized controlled trial of meditation and massage effects on quality of life in people with late-stage disease: a pilot study. J Palliative Med 2005;5:939–52.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Lyle MA, Manes S, McGuinness M, Ziaei S, Iversen MD. Relationship of physical examination findings and self-reported symptom severity and physical function in patients with degenerative lumbar conditions. Physical Ther 2005;85(20):120–133.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Swami Muktibudhananda. 1998. Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Bihar School of Yoga, 4th Rep. edition.

    Google Scholar 

  24. McKenzie, Robin. 1997. Robin Treat your own Back. Orthopedic Physical Therapy Products, 7th edition.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Vo AN, Kamen LB, Shih VC, Bitar AA, Stitik TP, Kaplan RJ. Rehabilitation of orthopedic and rheumatologic disorders. Lumbar spinal stenosis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2005;86(3Suppl 1): S69–S76.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Williams KA, Petronis J, Smith D, Goodrich D, Wu J, Ravi N, Doyle EJ, Jr., Gregory Juckett R, Munoz Kolar M, Gross R, Steinberg L. Effect of Iyengar yoga therapy for chronic low back pain. Pain 2005;115(1–2):107–117.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Fishman LM, Ardman CA. 2005. Relief is in the Stretch: End Back Pain Through Yoga. New York: W.W. Norton and Co.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Sherman KJ, Cherkin DC, Erro J, et al. Comparing yoga, exercise, and a self-care book for chronic low back pain: a randomized trial. Ann Int Med 2005;143:849–856.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Filler AG, Haynes J, Jordan SE, Prager J, Villablanca JP, Farahani K, McBride DQ, Tsurudu JS, Morisoli B, Batzdorf U, Johnson JP, Sciatica of nondisc origin and piriformis syndrome: diagnosis by magnetic resonance neurography and interventional magnetic resonance imaging with outcome study of resulting treatment. J Neurosurg Spine 2:99–115.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Fishman LM, Dombi GW, Michaelsen C, Ringel SV, Rosbruch J, Rosner B, Weber C. Piriformis syndrome: diagnosis, treatment and outcome—a ten year study. Arch Phys Rehabil 2002;83:(3) 295–302.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Kuslich SD, et al. The tissue origin of low back pain and sciatica: a report of pain response to tissue stimulation during operations on the lumbar spine using local anesthesia. Orthop Clinic North Am 1991;22:181–187.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Heliovaara M, et al. Lumbar disc syndrome in Finland. J Epidemiol Community Health 1987;41: 251–258.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Svensson HO, Andersson GBL. A retrospective study of low back pain in 38- to 64 year old women: frequency and occurrence and impact on medical services. Spine 1988;13:548–522.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Svensson HO, Andersson GBL. Low back pain in forty to forty-seven year old men: work history and work environment factors. Spine 1983;8:272–276.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Manninen P, et al. Incidence and risk factors of low-back pain in middle-aged farmers. Occup Med 1995;45:141–146

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Deyo, RA, Tsui-Wu, YJ. Descriptive epidemiology of low back pain and its related medical care in the United States. Spine 1987;12:264.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Rothman RH, Simeone FA. Spondylolisthesis. The Spine, Vol 1, 1992. pp. 913–969.

    Google Scholar 

  38. Jensen MC, Brant RC, Obuchowski N, Modic MT, Malkasian D, Ross JS. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine in people without back pain. N Engl J Med 1994;69–73.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Weber H. 1982 Volvo Award in Clinical Science. Lumbar disc herniation: a controlled, prospective study with ten years of observation. Spine 1983; 8(2):131–140.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. Acute Low Back Problems in Adults. Clinical Practice Guidelines No. 14, Publication 95-0642, 1994 Rockville, MD.

    Google Scholar 

  41. Nykvist F, et al. A prospective 5-year follow-up study of 276 patients hospitalized because of suspected lumbar disc herniation. Int Disabil Stud 1989;11(2):61–67.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Carragee E. Surgical treatment of lumbar disk disorders. JAMA 2006;296:2485–2487.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Wolff CJ, Salter MW. Neuronal plasticity: increasing the gain in pain. Science 2000;288:1765–1768.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Raghuraj P, Telles S. Effect of yoga-based and forced uninostril breathing on the autonomic nervous system. Percept Mot Skills 2003; 96(1):79–80.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Telles S, Hanumanthaiah BH, Nagarathna R, Nagendra HR. Plasticity of motor control systems demonstrated by yoga training. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 1994;38(2):143–144.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Williams KA, Petronis J, Smith D, Goodrich D, Wu J, Ravi N, Doyle EJ Jr., Gregory Juckett R, Munoz G, Kolar M, Gross R, Steinberg L. Effect of lyengar yoga therapy for chronic low back pain. Pain 2005;115(1–2):107–117.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Atlas SJ, Keller RB, Wu YA, Deyo RA, Singer DE. Long-term outcomes of surgical and nonsurgical management of lumbar spinal stenosis: 8 to 10 year results from the maine lumbar spine study. Spine 2005;April 15;30(8):936–43.

    Google Scholar 

  48. Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. Acute Low Back Problems in Adults. Clinical Practice Guidelines No. 14, Publication 95-0642, 1994 Rockville, MD.

    Google Scholar 

  49. Papadopoulos, EC, Khan, SN. Piriformis syndrome and low back pain: a new classification and review of the literature. Orthop Clin North Am 2004;35:65.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Fishman LM, Zybert PA. Electrophysiologic evidence of piriformis syndrome. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1992;73(4):359–364.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Fishman L, Ardman C. 2005. Relief is in the Stretch. New York: W.W. Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  52. Fishman LM, Konnoth C, Rozner B. Botulinum neurotoxin type B and physical therapy in the treatment of piriformis syndrome: a dose-finding study. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2004;83(1):42–50.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Mizuguchi T. Division of the piriformis muscle for the treatment of sciatica. Postlaminectomy syndrome and osteoarthritis of the spine. Arch Surg 1976;111(6):719–722.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Broadhurst NA, Simmons DN, Bond MJ. Piriformis syndrome: Correlation of muscle morphology with symptoms and signs. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85(12):2036–2039.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Filler AG, Haynes J, Jordan SE, et al. Sciatica of nondisc origin and piriformis syndrome: diagnosis by magnetic resonance neurography and interventional magnetic resonance imaging with outcome study of resulting treatment. J Neurosurg Spine 2005;2(2):99–115.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Fishman LM and Saltonstall E. 2008. Yoga for Osteoarthritis. New York: W.W. Norton. Scheduled for publication in Spring.

    Google Scholar 

  57. Oken BS, Kishiyama S, Zajdel D, Bourdette D, Carlsen J, Haas M, Hugos C, Kraemer DF, Lawrence J, Mass M. Randomized controlled trial of yoga and exercise in multiple sclerosis. Neurology 2004;62(11):2058–2064.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. Fishman LM, Small E. Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis 2007 Demos Medical Publishing, New York (Scheduled for publication March, 2008)

    Google Scholar 

  59. Kolasinski SL, Garfinkel M, Tsai AG, Matz W, Van Dyke A, Schumacher HR. Iyengar yoga for treating symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knees: a pilot study. J Altern Complement Med 2005;11(4):689–693.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Garfinkel MS, Schumacher HR, Jr., Husain A, Levy M, Reshetar RA. Evaluation of a yoga based regimen for treatment of osteoarthritis of the hands. J Rheumatol. 1994;21(12):2341–2343.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Junqueira LC, Carneiro J. Basic Histology, 10th edition. McGraw-Hill, p.136.

    Google Scholar 

  62. Renoux M, Hilliquin P, Galoppin L, Florentin J, Menkes CJ. Cellular activation products in osteoarthritis synovial fluid. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res 1995;15(4):135–138.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. Fishman LM, Polesin A, Konnoth C. Headstand in the treatment of rotator cuff syndrome – Sirsasana or surgery. J Assoc Yoga Ther (16):2006,137–45.

    Google Scholar 

  64. Fishman LM, Konnoth C. Role of headstand in the management of rotator cuff syndrome. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2004: 83(3):228 (abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  65. Fishman LM, Polesin A, Konnoth C. Headstand in the treatment of rotator cuff syndrome – Sirsasana or Surgery. J Int Assoc Yoga Ther (16):2006,137–45.

    Google Scholar 

  66. Laudicina L, D’Ambrosia R. Management of irreparable rotator cuff tears and glenohumeral arthritis. Orthopedics 2005;28(4):382–388.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Van Linthoudt D, Deforge J, Malterre L, Huber H. Rotator cuff repair. Long-term results. Joint Bone Spine 2003;70(4):271–275.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Fishman LM, Konnoth C, Rosner B. Botulinum neurotoxin type B and physical therapy in the treatment of piriformis syndrome: a dose-finding study. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2004;83:42–50.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Childers MK, Wilson DJ, Gnatz SM, Conway RR, Sherman AK. Botulinum toxin in piriformis muscle syndrome. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2002; 81(10):751–759.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Fishman LM, Konnoth C, Rozner B. Botulinum neurotoxin type B and physical therapy in the treatment of piriformis syndrome: a dose-finding study. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2004;83:42–50.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Fishman LM, Saltonstall E. Yoga for Arthritis. W.W. Norton, New York, 2008.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors
  1. Loren Fishman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ellen Saltonstall
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Spaulding, Massachusetts

    Joseph F. Audette MA, MD

  2. Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts

    Allison Bailey MD

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2008 Humana Press

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Fishman, L., Saltonstall, E. (2008). Yoga in Pain Management. In: Audette, J.F., Bailey, A. (eds) Integrative Pain Medicine. Contemporary Pain Medicine. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-344-8_13

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-344-8_13

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-786-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59745-344-8

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation