Hatha Yoga is a traditional system of exercises, used in India for the relief of painful condition since centuries and gaining more and more interest in Europe and the US. The efficacy of Hatha Yoga for relieving chronic low back pain has been repeatedly demonstrated in clinical trials, while there are no studies in the literature regarding chronic neck pain. The aim of this study is to investigate, whether a 9 weeks-course of Hatha Yoga reduces subjective pain ratings and disability in patients suffering from chronic neck pain. Furthermore, as neck pain patients have been shown to suffer from impaired sensory processing and proprioception, along with restricted range of motion, the study aims to test if Hatha Yoga can improve these variables. Therefore, tests regarding cervicocephalic proprioception, active range of motion and the processing of mechanical, vibration and pain stimuli will be included.~58 patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain will be randomized to either Hatha Yoga group or control group, receiving information regarding exercises for chronic neck pain. The control group will be offered to take part in a Yoga class after the end of the study.
Hatha Yoga is a traditional system of exercises, used in India for the relief of painful condition since centuries and gaining more and more interest in Europe and the US. While studies have demonstrated benefits of Hatha Yoga for patients with chronic low back pain, no studies regarding chronic neck pain are available until now. The purpose of this study is to determine if Hatha Yoga can ameliorate chronic neck pain and related restrictions.