Qigong may help relieve chronic low back pain, study of military vets shows

Boca Raton, FL — People with chronic low back pain may experience significant improvements in pain-related issues, sleep and more by practicing qigong, Florida Atlantic University researchers say after they studied the effects on a group of military veterans.

Qigong (pronounced “chee-gong”) is a traditional Chinese exercise practice that combines gentle and smooth whole-body movements, controlled breathing patterns and mind regulation.

The research team divided 31 veterans with chronic pain into two groups – control and qigong – for an eight-week intervention.

The results: All pain-related outcomes – including pain intensity, low back pain-related disability and pain interference – decreased significantly in the qigong group compared with the control group. In addition, the qigong group experienced a significant decrease in sleep disturbance.

The researchers also linked an inflammatory marker to pain-related disability and post-traumatic stress disorder, which can lead to physical and mental health challenges for veterans with chronic conditions such as low back pain. Up to 75% of older veterans report chronic pain, according to FAU, while younger veterans and those from recent conflicts face more severe pain.

“Qigong practice can strengthen the musculoskeletal system and improve joint flexibility, motor function and movement coordination. It can activate postural improvements and decrease pain,” senior study author Cheryl Krause-Parello said. “Importantly, it can improve physical conditions and psychosocial function such as depression and social isolation in veterans with chronic back pain.”

The study was published in the journal Pain Management Nursing.