United States: Ancient Chinese qigong practice could bring relief to chronic low back pain, according to a new study. Tai chi qigong combines flowing movements with meditative postures and helps reduce tension, improve flexibility and help improve the spinal alignment, as reported by HealthDay.
Veterans Experience Promising Results
In an eight-week study led by Florida Atlantic University, 10 veterans with chronic back pain practiced qigong, while 12 others received standard care. The veterans in the qigong group reported reduced pain, better sleep, and overall improvements in well-being compared to the control group.
Why Qigong Stands Out
Senior researcher Cheryl Krause-Parello said that qigong’s techniques of stretching, loosening, strengthening and balancing help relax, ease pain and improve flexibility. Whereas tai chi emphasizes internal practices, such as “qi,” or internal energy work, qigong presents therapeutic movements to be performed on the spine.
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The Veteran Pain Crisis
The population is also at higher risk for addiction and overdose, so veterans are prescribed opioids at higher rates than civilians, another reason. This problem is treated with a nonpharmacological alternative: Qigong.
Proven Benefits of Qigong
Participants in the study experienced:
- Reduced pain intensity and disability.
- Improved sleep quality.
- Lower levels of pain-related inflammatory markers.
- Enhanced joint flexibility, motor coordination, and posture.
- Relief from depression and social isolation.
A Call to Action
Krause-Parello said this holistic approach addresses the complexity of chronic low back pain without using medication. Health care providers such as nurses and physical therapists are urged by the researchers to consider qigong as part of their treatment for veterans, as reported by HealthDay.