Abstract
Many interventions for the management of low back pain exist, however most have modest efficacy at
best, and there are few with clearly demonstrated benefits once pain becomes chronic. Therapeutic
exercise, on the other hand, does appear to have significant benefits for managing patients with chronic
low back pain (CLBP) in terms of decreasing pain and improving function. In addition, because chronic
pain is complex and does not fit a simple model, there have also been numerous trials investigating
and demonstrating the efficacy of multidisciplinary pain programs for CLBP. It follows that interventions
that treat more than one aspect of LBP would have significant benefits for this patient population. Yoga
and Pilates which have, both been gaining in popularity over the last decade are two mind–body
exercise interventions that address both the physical and mental aspects of pain with core
strengthening, flexibility, and relaxation. There has been a slow evolution of these nontraditional
exercise regimens into treatment paradigms for LBP, although few studies examining their effects have
been published. The following article will focus on the scientific and theoretical basis of using yoga and
Pilates in the management of CLBP.
Keywords: Low back pain, Yoga, Pilates, Therapeutic exercise, Core strengthening, Rehabilitation
