A study published in the journal Frontiers in Pain Research showed that practicing Tai Chi effectively helps reduce chronic lower back pain and improve mobility.
Researchers analyzed the results of 8 randomized clinical studies involving 526 patients with chronic back pain problems. The effect of Tai Chi was compared with: usual care, other exercise, educational programs, no training, or other types of rehabilitation. Practice periods lasted between 4 and 12 weeks, with sessions ranging from 2 to 5 times per week.
The results showed that Tai Chi significantly reduced pain intensity: the pain scale score decreased by an average of 1.4 points, and patients experienced an improvement in their daily functioning, as it became easier for them to move and perform daily activities. Researchers attribute this positive effect to the gentle nature of Tai Chi and its role in strengthening trunk muscles, regulating breathing, and reducing muscular and psychological tension.
The research team believes that Tai Chi can be considered a safe and available additional option within rehabilitation programs for patients with chronic back pain, but they stressed the need for broader studies to come up with accurate and reliable recommendations.
A study by researchers from the University of South Australia showed that re-learning basic "baby" movements, such as crawling, rolling and squatting, can reduce discomfort and alleviate chronic back pain in adults.
