Newswise — CHICAGO, Oct. 13, 2016 -- Tai Chi, a low-impact mind-body exercise, can be as effective as neck exercises in relieving persistent neck pain, according to results of randomized controlled trial reported in The Journal of Pain, the peer-reviewed publication of the American Pain Society, www.americanpainsociety.org.
An international team of researchers investigated the efficacy of group Tai Chi compared with group neck exercises and no treatment to improve neck pain, disability and quality of life in groups of people with nonspecific chronic neck pain. They hypothesized that 12 weeks of Tai Chi would prove superior to no treatment for chronic neck pain. The study also explored whether Tai Chi was more and less effective than conventional neck exercises.
One hundred fourteen subjects were enrolled in the trial. Eligibility requirements were age18 years or older and having chronic neck pain for three consecutives months.
“The study results showed that 12 weeks of Tai Chi was more effective than no treatment to improve pain, disability, quality of life and postural control in persons with chronic neck pain,” said Peter M. Wayne, Ph.D., a co-author, founder of the Tree of Life Tai Chi Center and assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. He added that Tai Chi was neither superior nor inferior to 12 weeks of neck exercises.
Tai Chi originated in China and involves integrated dynamic musculoskeletal breathing and meditation training. It often is used for health care purposes and evidence supports its potential to help people with back pain, rheumatologic disease and psychological disorders. No studies had been performed previously to determine Tai Chi’s benefits in relieving chronic neck pain.
About the American Pain SocietyBased in Chicago, the American Pain Society (APS) is a multidisciplinary community that brings together a diverse group of scientists, clinicians and other professionals to increase the knowledge of pain and transform public policy and clinical practice to reduce pain-related suffering. APS is the professional home for investigators involved in all aspects of pain research including basic, translational, clinical and health services research to obtain the support and inspiration they need to flourish professionally. APS strongly advocates expansion of high quality pain research to help advance science to achieve effective and responsible pain relief. For more information on APS, visit www.americanpainsociety.org.
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