Effect of Yoga on Pain, Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor, and Serotonin in Premenopausal Women with Chronic Low Back Pain

Abstract

Background. Serotonin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are known to be modulators of nociception. However, pain-related connection between yoga and those neuromodulators has not been investigated. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of yoga on pain, BDNF, and serotonin. Methods. Premenopausal women with chronic low back pain practiced yoga three times a week for 12 weeks. At baseline and after 12 weeks, back pain intensity was measured using visual analogue scale (VAS), and serum BDNF and serotonin levels were evaluated. Additionally, back flexibility and level of depression were assessed. Results. After 12-week yoga, VAS decreased in the yoga group (P < 0.001), whereas it increased (P < 0.05) in the control group. Back flexibility was improved in the yoga group (P < 0.01). Serum BDNF increased in the yoga group (P < 0.01), whereas it tended to decrease in the control group (P = 0.05). Serum serotonin maintained in the yoga group, while it reduced (P < 0.01) in the control group. The depression level maintained in the yoga group, whereas it tended to increase in the control group (P = 0.07). Conclusions. We propose that BDNF may be one of the key factors mediating beneficial effects of yoga on chronic low back pain.

Effects of yogic intervention on pain scores and quality of life in females with chronic pelvic pain

“…This increase in BDNF could be attributed to pain reduction in patients with chronic pain. [27] Yoga therapy enhances the tone of muscles and helps in releasing of muscle tension. Relaxation exercises performed during yoga leads to reduction of stress-related muscle tension and also modify neurobiological pain perception which could be a mechanism for pain reduction.…”

Yoga research review

“…In the study on serotonin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), following 12 weeks (3 times/week) of yoga, those with low back pain showed not only increased back flexibility but also increased serotonin and serum BDNF [93]. In the magnetic resonance imaging study, yogis tolerated pain more than twice as long as individually matched controls and had more gray matter in many brain regions [94].…”

Yoga: Can It Be Integrated with Treatment of Neuropathic Pain

“…Studies compiled in Table 1 [60][61][62][63] describe the nonpharmacological management of pain. Despite the heterogeneity in the yoga intervention, all the studies have shown the improvement in the yoga practitioners group as compared to the control group.…”