“Low back pain in adolescents usually has an undiagnosable source, resolves spontaneously, and warrants a minimalist approach to tests and imaging, analysis of a large clinical series suggested.”

So says the latest research from the University of California.  Reassuring for worried parents – for more details of the research please go to:

http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/AAP/29064?utm_source=WC&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Meeting_Roundup_AAP

Before you get carried away with the research being publicised in the news today bear in mind that the “usual care” described is only provision of a booklet on back care. It should also be noted that this research shows that yoga does not give any improvement in PAIN, only in function and we already know that ANY exercise is better than doing nothing for dealing with back pain. It does not compare yoga to any other exercise based treatments such as Physio exercises, Pilates, Alexander technhique, swimming, walking…….. Having said that yoga offers many benefits other than just for back pain.

When you have been bending in the garden or doing the housework remember to stand up and with your hands on your bottom lean back as far as you can. Do this 10 times to reverse the effects of your forward bending.