Yoga in back pain management - Essay Example

? Unit 8 Final Assignment Ali Ghandour Walden Qualitative and Case Study Research for Business Analysis DDBA - 8991-5 Dr. Arthur Tyler December 19, 2012 Abstract Back pain is probably the most common complaint among human beings, which nearly everyone has dealt with at one time of their life or another. Most people are able to bear with mild back pains. However, lower back pain often develops into chronic pain, which is unbearable lowering the performance of the affected individuals. Moreover, cases of chronic lower back pain are difficult to treat and often cause psychological torture. Organizations are increasingly trying various interventions to prevent and treat back pain, which is one of the major causes of absenteeism in work places. However, yoga has been identified as a possible cure for lower back pain. There is need for research to determine the effectiveness of yoga in alleviation of lower back pain. The study population consists of workers in physically demanding jobs from two medium size companies located throughout Miami, Florida. Section 1: Foundation of the Study The focus of this study is on the effectiveness of yoga exercises in alleviation of lower back pain in workplaces. The research is important considering the large number of employees who suffer from lower back pain and seek medical treatment with little success. Background Low back pain is a major cause of disability and absenteeism at work, which affects the workers’ productivity. The problem is common in all cultures but the cause is not known in most cases. Tekur, Singhow, Negendra, and Raghuram (2008) did a research, which showed that yoga could be effective in alleviating back pain. Moreover, lower back pain result in reduced quality of life. In most cases, lower back pain lasts for not less than three months even when a person is under treatment. Attempts to use surgery in alleviation of lower back pain are rarely successful (Tilbrook, et al. 2011). Given the increasing number of individuals that complain of back pain, this investigation aims to study the correlation between back pain and work productivity. The study will also investigate the effectiveness of yoga exercises in alleviation of the incurrence pain and decrease employees’ absenteeism (Tilbrook, et al. 2011). Problem Statement According to Rooney (2008), about 70-85% of adults suffer from lower back pain at some point in their lives. Milczarek (2009) defines back pain as a form of discomfort that is localized between the bottom of the ribs and the top of the legs, which can also involve leg pain. The discomfort that results from lower back pain can hinder the performance of employees resulting in reduced performance. The reduce performance is attributable to absenteeism of employees as they seek for treatment. The financial cost to the organization is great both in wages and in delayed completion of tasks. The implementation of yoga can help to alleviate occurrence of lower back pain and decrease absenteeism in the work place. Moreover, the number of worker’s compensation cases and instances of lower back pain would reduce. The Purpose Statement Although there are several treatments for chronic back pain, none has been highly effective in alleviating the pain and improving the ability of the patients to function normally. The purpose of the study is to find an alternative approach for treatment of back pain. Yoga helps to alleviate back pain, which is often associated with office work. Yoga is a set of exercises that involves changing postures, which results in strengthening of the back muscles. A biomechanical frame of reference will be used as a study guide to select the types of treatments that best target the causes of back pain and, therefore, prevent the back from having a normal range of motion and flexibility. The biomechanical frame of reference emphasizes on increasing physical functioning of the body including ROM (Range of motion), strength, and coordination to perform practical activities. The continuum follows along deficits in the peripheral nerves, musculo-skeletal, integumentary, or cardio-pulmonary systems. Avoiding high-impact weight bearing activities such as extensive twisting while weight lifting, stair climbing, and repetitive motions at or near the end-ranges of the back or hip helps in preventing instances of lower back pain. Yoga follows the principles of correct posture, stretching, and weight bearing exercises. This study will be conducted using qualitative method. The study will entail determination of the extent to which yoga helps alleviate lower back pain amongst employees. Research Methodology The study will be conducted using qualitative approach and the aim will be to clarify and answer the research question. Data collection is an important part of conducting research since it allows the researcher to gather information relevant to the research. This data helps in answering the research question. Moreover, data collected through one-on-one interviews will be analyzed. For ethical purposes, the employees will be handed an informed consent regarding the terms of study. The study population consists of workers in physically demanding jobs from two medium sized companies located in various parts of Miami, Florida. The participants will be required to sign the consent form before the start of the interviews. Moreover, the participants will be informed of their role in the study Central Research Question This research aims to answer the research question on whether yoga improves patient’s ability to cope with lower back pain, and enhances work productivity. The question is based on the argument that the yoga exercises reduce the pain gradually enabling the patient to return work and improving the quality of life. Significance of the Study As a business manager, I have witnesses several instances of back pain among my employees. The pain is severe in cases of chronic lower back pain to an extent that it lowers the employees’ attendance. Most of employees go to hospitals to seek treatment. In most cases, the pain persists even after medical treatment. The reason behind choosing this topic is to find out alternative methods to improve the chronic back pain amongst employees, increase workplace productivity, and reduce absenteeism resulting from lower back pain. This study is important since it will help determine the effectiveness of yoga in lower back pain, a problem affecting the livelihood of many people. This study will also foster change in lifestyle since readers will be informed on the significance of physical activities such as yoga in enhancing fitness. Conceptual Theoretical Framework The biochemical frame of reference, which will be used in this study, is based on the principles of kinetics and kinematics science involved with the study of the effects of force and the motion on the material bodies. Moreover, the principles relate the description of movement with the forces that act on the human body when it moves. The biochemical model is also concerned with the ability of humans to stabilize and move while performing activities such as exercise. This model has been taken into considerations since it relates to the movements involved in Yoga exercises. The biomechanical model measures the range of motion of a joint or groups of joints, its strength (the ability of a muscle to produce tension), endurance (the ability to sustain muscle activity), and elasticity (the ability to stretch and return to original shape). Biochemical model can also be used to measure the size of a muscle before and after movement. Therefore, this mode can be used to measure how yoga exercises work to reduce discomfort in the lower back. The above factors are important and should be taken into consideration when performing any type of exercise. Understanding the biomechanical model is important for the explanation of back pain, which makes many individuals to give up their daily activities such as going to work or enjoying leisure activities such as participating in sports. Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations Assumptions One assumption made is that yoga exercises are safe and can reduce back pains more effectively than the available treatments. Another assumption made was that employees who suffer from chronic back pain fail to recover fast even after treatment since most treatment are ineffective. Limitation Considering the widespread nature of chronic back pain, the sample size might not be adequate to represent the population under study. The study will be limited since it will investigate the effectiveness of yoga in alleviation of back pain without considering the causes of the pain. The study is limited since it cannot establish the actual activity constituted in the yoga that helps in back pain alleviation. Delimitations Although it could be important to investigate a large population size, the study will involve a small sample to allow more depth understanding of the participants. Use of structure interviews will ensure that the interviewees give essential information. A Review of the Professional and Academic Literature Introduction There has been extensive research on the effectiveness of physical activity in alleviation of back pain. Moreover, there is considerable literature on usefulness of yoga in chronic back pain alleviation. According to Sherman, et al. (2011), back pain is one of the most frequent complaints among adults since it is the most diagnosed conditions in patients who visit doctors in the U.S. The problem accounts for about 2% of the patients visiting doctors in their offices for routine examination. Chen, Tseng, Ting, & Huang (2007) argue that Yoga practice aids in several health improvements such as reducing cardiovascular risk, decreasing the body mass index and in management of pain, especially in the lower back. Back pain is more common in older people though some young people suffer of frequent back pain. Yoga is an exercise that originated amongst Indians, which was initially used for spiritual purposes such as meditation. The exercise entails a union of the mind and body. There are different types of Yoga designed for spiritual, mental, and physical purposes. According the Leah (2009), yoga exercises are simple and can be done by anyone irrespective of age. Yoga involves a combination of meditation, breathing techniques, and physical poses. Other than alleviating back pain, yoga has been used for other purposes such as helping patients with insomnia, depression, heart related complications. Leah considers Yoga more of a preventive measure than a form of treatment. Therefore, it can be used to reduce treatment cost since it entails treatment of the entire body. (Fishman & Saltonstall, 2008). Role of Yoga in Lower Back Pain Treatment Martin, et al. (2008) posits that rehabilitative therapies such as Yoga should be taken into consideration for most patients who do not respond to medication, back care, and self-care. Therapies such as exercises, acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, spinal manipulation, and cognitive behavioral therapy, among others. Leah (2009) argues that yoga offers different benefits, which could be medical or physical. Although most organization introduces physical activity classes with the aim of enhancing teamwork, the exercises help the employees in other aspects of life. Some employees provide yoga classes to their employees to help the employees to deal with stress. According to Posadzki, and Ernst (2011), several clinical trials have been done and demonstrated that yoga is effective in low back pain alleviation. Although there are other exercises that reduce back pain, yoga lead to considerably greater reduction in low back pain. According to Martin et al. (2008), rehabilitative therapies that include Yoga should be taken into consideration for most patients that do not respond to medication, back care information, and self-care. The therapies include exercises, Yoga, acupuncture, massage therapy, spinal manipulation, and cognitive behavioral therapy among others. Among the many studies conducted to establish the efficacy of the therapies, it was established that Yoga is effective in treatment of back pain (Tilbrook, et al. 2011). Many Americans have undertaken Yoga seriously in order to reduce their back pain issues. A 2008 National Health survey that represented 5050 U.S. citizens established that 6.9% of adult U.S. citizens practice Yoga. The survey further notes that 49.4% of the people practicing Yoga do that for their overall health benefits while 6.1% practice it on recommendations made by their doctors as treatment of back pain. In relation to back pain alleviation, yoga exercises are intended to enhance posture control. The patients are required to develop stable postures and be able to stretch and balance in prostrate, standing, or sitting positions. Chen, Tseng, Ting, & Huang (2007) state that regular practice of yoga leads to psychological and physical benefits. Inflexibility and weakened muscles are among the causes of low back pain in workplace. Therefore, Yoga is effective in alleviation of lower back pain since the exercises entail static physical postures that are known to strengthen muscles and increase flexibility. According to Chen, Tseng, Ting, & Huang (2007), hyperkyphois, an ailment affecting the spinal cord and a major cause of lower back pain is often treated using yoga exercises. Greendale, Huang, Karmangla, Seeger, and Crawford’s (2009) study supported the argument that Yoga intervention help in reduction of hyperkyphosis. Although the participants in the study were men and women aged 60 years and older, the findings were significant and demonstrated the effectiveness of yoga in increasing flexibility and strengthening of muscle. Moreover, the study proved that Yoga is an effective treatment for hyperkyphosis, a major cause of back pain in aging people. Since the workforce tends to be diverse, conditions such as kyphosis are non-avoidable. Yoga involves adoption of different posture and breathing with the aim of building flexibility, body awareness and strengthening of muscles. According to Ross and Thomas (2010), most studies on use of exercises in treatment indicate that Yoga can be used in healthy and diseased populations to improve health related measures. The findings of the study by Ross and Thomas showed that yoga techniques improve the physical and mental capabilities. Yoga acts through down-regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Additionally, Yoga down-regulates activity of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) resulting in production and release of cortisol and catecholamines, which cause physiologic and psychological effect associated with yoga. Yoga entails use of different strategies and techniques in treatment of diseases. Some of the yoga therapies that are used in U.S. include Inyenga, Viniyoga, integrative Yoga therapy, and Phoenix rising Yoga. Inyega techniques are deeply grounded in the traditional Yoga and emphasizes on standing poses that develop strength, stamina, and concentration by individual. Yoga techniques also use props to facilitate learning and adjustment to poses with inflexible people. Moreover, Yoga poses and postures help in back pain alleviation. According to Sherman, et al. (2011), yoga therapy corrected the physical ailments of the patients including proper tissue, muscle, bone and movement alignment. However, Diamond (2012) warns that yoga can be dangerous if not done properly. Therefore, it is advisable for patients to use certified instructors to reduce instances of injury. When done appropriately, yoga has no identified side effects. The major advantage of yoga is that it can be done by anyone and almost anywhere. Therefore, companies willing to introduce yoga in the workplace do not have extensive costs to incur. In addition to alleviating back pain amongst the employee, yoga has other benefits such as stress and obesity reduction, and increased ability to control anger. Groessl, et al. (2008) conducted a study on the effectiveness of yoga in intervention for veterans with chronic back pain. The study findings showed that yoga help in improving the health of veterans. Moreover, yoga exercises eradicate back pain in a shorter period as compared to other forms of treatments such as medications. The study is important for this research since it demonstrates the role of yoga in alleviation of low back pain. According to Tul, Unruh, and Dick (2011), yoga can help patients deal with different types of pain. Moreover, the exercises make the patients aware of the pain and impacts on how they respond to the pain. By using yoga, patients are able to break the pain cycle. Summary and Transition Yoga is a type of exercise, which was originally used by Indians to create a connection between body and mind. Yoga is currently used for several purposes especially in treatment of conditions such as stress, obesity, and chronic back pain. Several researches have demonstrated the effectiveness of yoga in alleviating lower back pain. Although there are several causes of back pain, hyperkyphois has been identified as one of the major cause of chronic back pain amongst older people. Yoga has been used in reduction of pain resulting from Hyperkyphois. Yoga exercises enable patients to effortlessly balance while adopting different positions. The exercises act by strengthening muscles and increasing flexibility, which contribute to reduced back pain. Since chronic back pain is one of the major causes of absenteeism in work places, introducing yoga would lead to increased productivity. Moreover, employees who suffer chronic back pain will be able to perform more appropriately if the pain is alleviated. Section two of the study will involve the actual project. The role of the researcher and participants will be described. The description will involve the measures that will be used to ensure that participants have adequate ethical protection. An extensive description of the research method and design will be discussed in section two. The section will also include description on population and sampling, ethical considerations, data collection, organization and analysis instruments and techniques. The third section will entail presentation of the research findings and their applications to professional practice and for social change. References Chen K.M., Tseng W.S., Ting L.F. & Huang G.F. (2007). Development and evaluation of a yoga exercise programme for older adults. Journal of Advanced Nursing 57(4), 432–441. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2006.04115.x Diamond, L. (2012). The Benefits of Yoga in Improving Health. Primary Health Care, 22(2), 16-19. Fishman, L. & Saltonstall, E. (2008). “Yoga in pain management.” In: Integrative pain medicine: The Science and Practice of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Pain Management. Audette JF, Bailey A, eds. 259-260. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press. Greendale, G. A., Huang, M., Karlamangla, A. S., Seeger, L., & Crawford, S. (2009). Yoga Decreases Kyphosis in Senior Women and Men with Adult-Onset Hyperkyphosis: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 57(9), 1569-1579. doi:10.1111/j.1532-5415.2009.02391.x Groessl, E. J., Weingart, K. R., Aschbacher, K., Pada, L., & Baxi, S. (2008). Yoga for Veterans with Chronic Low-Back Pain. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 14(9), 1123-1129. doi:10.1089/acm.2008.0020 Leah, C. S. (2009). Yoga can help employees stretch away stress, anxiety, burnout. Employee Benefit News, 23(4), 36. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/214878098?accountid=45049 Martin, B., Deyo, R., Mirza, S., Turner, J., Comstock, B., Hollingworth, W., & Sullivan, S. (2008). Expenditures and Health Status Among Adults With Back and Neck Problems. Journal of the American Medical Association, 299 (6), 565-664. Milczarek, M. (2009). Acupuncture and the Treatment of Low Back Pain: An Evidence Based Literature Review. Journal of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists, 1, 39-44. Posadzki, P., & Ernst, E. (2011). Yoga for low back pain: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Clinical Rheumatology, 30(9), 1257-1262. doi:10.1007/s10067-011-1764-8 Rooney, L. (2008). Acupuncture in the Treatment of Non-Specific Low Back Pain in an Adult Population: A Review of The Evidence. The Internet Journal of Advanced Nursing Practice, 9(2), 39-44. Ross, A., & Thomas, S. (2010). The Health Benefits of Yoga and Exercise: A Review of Comparison Studies. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 16(1), 3-12. doi:10.1089/acm.2009.0044 Sherman, K. J., Cherkin, D. C., Wellman, R. D., Cook, A. J., Hawkes, R. J., Delaney, K., & Deyo, R. A. (2011). A Randomized Trial Comparing Yoga, Stretching, and a Self-care Book for Chronic Low Back Pain. Archives of Internal Medicine, 171(22), 2019-2026. doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2011.524 Tekur, P., Singphow, C., Nagendra, H., & Raghuram, N. (2008). Effect of Short-Term Intensive Yoga Program on Pain, Functional Disability and Spinal Flexibility in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Control Study. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 14(6), 637-644. doi:10.1089/acm.2007.0815 Tilbrook, H. E., Cox, H., Hewitt, C. E., Kang'ombe, A., Ling-Hsiang, C., Jayakody, S., & ... Torgerson, D. J. (2011). Yoga for Chronic Low Back Pain. Annals of Internal Medicine, 155(9), 569-W-167. Tul, Y., Unruh, A., & Dick, B. D. (2011). Yoga for chronic pain management: a qualitative exploration. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 25(3), 435-443. doi:10.1111/j.1471-6712.2010.00842.x Interview Appendix Individual Interview questions-Warehouse workers The purpose of the interview is to probe the ideas of the interviewees about the topic of Back pain and yoga. The setting took place in a warehouse in Miami, FL. The study addresses effectiveness of Yoga in treatment of back pain to reduce employee absenteeism. The study population consists of workers in physically demanding jobs from two medium size companies located throughout Miami, Florida. Participant #1 1- What is your job title? I am currently a warehouse manager for an import export company. 2-How long have you been doing this type of job? (Please describe) I have been doing this job for the past 15 years. My duties include supervising the loading and unloading of containers, and packing boxes to ship to clients throughout the country. 3-Have you ever suffered from back pain? If so, for how long? In the past five years, I started having pain and discomfort in my lower back. The pain would intensify on occasions, especially when I was performing stacking of boxes or loading and unloading of freight. The pain would go away with some painkillers and rest. 4-How has suffering from back pain affected your life? At the beginning, I was able to manage the pain with regular pain medicine, later one, my pain became stronger, and I had to take time off work to see a doctor or go to an urgent care facility. It has also affected me financially because all of the co-payments that I had to pay during doctor and hospital visit. 5-Has back pain ever prevented you from completing your tasks? Yes it sure did, at both home and work. On numerous occasions, I had to stop whatever I was doing and let someone take over while I go and take a long rest, or go home. 6-How frequently do you miss work due to back pain? I would say more than once or twice a month. 7-Do you know what is yoga? I have heard of it but I thought it was like a joke or women exercise. 8-What do you consider a positive aspect of practicing yoga? My wife did it and said that it helped her become more flexible and made her leaner, that why I thought Yoga was mostly for women. 9-What do you consider a negative aspect of practicing yoga? I think that I cannot do many of the positions, and I am afraid that some might hurt my back and make feel worst. As you can see, I am a big person, not flexible and find it hard to do these things. 10-Have you ever heard about yoga exercises for the treatment of back pain? Not really, never heard of it. 11-Would you like to find out how yoga can benefit in the treatment of individuals with back pain? Anything that can help me with my pain, I would like to know about. This thing has been going for a while and I am tired of all the pills I am taking, I need a break, If yoga can help, then I am open to it, count me in. Participant #2 1-What is your job title? I am currently a warehouse employee for a perfume distributor. 2-How long have you been doing this type of job? (Please describe) I have been doing this job for the past 7 years. I spend my day driving a fork-lift, loading and unloading boxes, and packing and wrapping pallets and freight to ship to our clients. 3-Have you ever suffered from back pain? If so, for how long? Yes I did. I guess I have been living with back pain for over three years now. It usually comes during long days and when the workload is heavy, I would say mostly during the holiday season. 4-How has suffering from back pain affected your life? On many days, my pain was so strong and severe and had to take time off work or leave home early. In addition, many times I had to go to work late in order to get some therapy for my back pain. 5-Has back pain ever prevented you from completing your tasks? Yes, it did, and many times I was not able to manage the forklift machine and then my boss will assign someone else to drive it. 6-How frequently do you miss work due to back pain? I am not sure, but will say at least two or three times a month. 7-Do you know what yoga is? I know it is some type of exercise that is mostly from China or India. I have seen something about it on Television. 8-What do you consider a positive aspect of practicing yoga? I would say the relaxation techniques involved in Yoga. 9-What do you consider a negative aspect of practicing yoga? Honestly, I have no idea. I know that yoga involve exercising and breathing techniques but do not know if it has any negative parts. 10-Have you ever heard about yoga exercises for the treatment of back pain? Not really, never heard of it. 11-Would you like to find out how yoga can benefit in the treatment of individuals with back pain? Lately, I have been thinking a lot about my job, and I think that if I cannot keep it up and lower my sick days, the company might replace me. I have been here for the past four years and I like my job, and the pay is good, so I do not want to lose my job, so I am open to anything that will help me become healthier and keep my job. Read More