Meditate Away Back Pain

If, like many older adults, you suffer from constant lower back pain, there may be a new reason to be hopeful for some relief.

According to a study done at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, mindfulness meditation can benefit people who are in pain. Mindfulness meditation is a mind-body technique described as “paying attention on purpose” and “staying in the present moment” to experience each unfolding event.

Previous scientific studies have shown that mindfulness meditation provided benefits to those in chronic pain, but this is the first time the alternative treatment was attempted for older adults exclusively and low back pain specifically, according to Dr. Natalia Morone, who led the study.

The 37 study participants aged 65+ were taught three meditation techniques and reported that after the eight-week program they experienced an improved ability to cope with pain and also experienced improvement in physical function.

The study was reported in the journal Pain.

To learn more about mindfulness meditation, look for books and audio books by Jon Kabat-Zinn, widely recognized as an expert on the technique.