For those grappling with chronic low back pain, a new study offers promising news: yoga classes conducted virtually can provide significant relief. Published on Nov. 1 in JAMA Network Open, the study found that individuals who participated in online yoga sessions experienced a sixfold reduction in pain compared to those who did not engage in the classes.

The study, led by Dr. Robert Saper, chair of wellness and preventive medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, suggests virtual yoga could be a valuable therapeutic option for those unable to attend in-person classes. “Attending yoga classes in person can be challenging,” Saper said in a statement, adding that the research supports virtual yoga as both a safe and effective method for managing chronic low back pain.

Yoga and physical therapy are already recommended as first-line treatments for low back pain before resorting to medications. Yet accessibility remains an obstacle for many patients. This study, however, highlights the potential of virtual classes to bridge that gap, expanding access to non-drug interventions.

The research involved 140 participants with chronic low back pain, all members of the Cleveland Clinic’s Employee Health Plan, hailing from either northeast Ohio or Florida. Participants were randomly assigned to either engage in a 12-week virtual yoga program or continue with standard medical care. Specially trained yoga instructors delivered classes designed specifically to alleviate low back pain through virtual formats.

Results were promising: participants in the online yoga group reported a nearly threefold improvement in back-related function compared to those who did not attend the classes. Notably, 34% of the yoga participants reported a decrease in pain medication usage, and they saw a tenfold improvement in sleep quality.

At the 24-week mark, those who took the yoga classes reported sustained improvements in both pain levels and back-related function. Hallie Tankha, the study’s lead researcher and a member of Cleveland Clinic’s wellness research faculty, highlighted the importance of making such treatments more accessible. “Yoga offers a comprehensive approach to managing low back pain, a condition for which traditional treatments often fall short,” Tankha noted. "Now we must work to increase access to this safe and effective treatment."

This study’s findings underscore the potential of virtual health interventions, providing a convenient and accessible path for those seeking relief from chronic pain without relying solely on medications.