A Review of Yoga Therapy for Prevention of Lower Back Pain Among Young Athletes

Abstract

This review examines the efficacy of yoga therapy interventions for managing lower back pain (LBP) among young athletes. The prevalence of LBP in athletic populations continues to rise, with significant implications for performance, career longevity, and quality of life. Through a comprehensive analysis this review evaluates various yoga therapeutic approaches, their implementation frameworks, physiological mechanisms, and outcomes specific to young athletes (ages 12-25). Findings suggest that structured yoga interventions of 8-12 weeks demonstrate significant improvements in pain reduction and functional performance. The review highlights the potential of integrating yoga therapy into athletic training programs while identifying critical research gaps in intervention standardization, sport-specific adaptations, and long-term adherence. This analysis provides evidence-based recommendations for practitioners working with young athletes experiencing LBP and establishes a foundation for future research in this emerging field. As interest in complementary approaches to managing athletic injuries continues to grow, yoga therapy represents a promising and evidence-supported option for addressing the significant challenge of LBP among young athletes. The holistic nature of yoga, combining physical, breathing, and mindfulness practices, aligns well with contemporary biopsychosocial approaches to pain management and may offer unique advantages for this population.