Comparing Yoga Nidra, Yoga, and Control Condition on Pain in Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain

Comparing the Effects of Yoga Nidra, Yoga, and Control Condition on Thermal Pain Processing, Psychological Factors, and Movement-Evoked Pain in Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain

Individuals with chronic low back pain will undergo a yoga, yoga nidra, and control condition on separate visits. Each visit, before and after the intervention, participants with rate their pain in response to heat stimuli, a sit to stand task, and questionnaires.

Inclusion Criteria:

• low back pain classified as symptoms localized to the posterior region of the trunk, extending from the lower margin of the last rib to the gluteal folds
• low back pain for three months or longer with a average pain intensity = 3/10 on the 11-point numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) within the previous twenty-four hours
• experienced three or more low back pain episodes within the past 3 years
• fluency in English
• ability to attend all visits
• reliable email access.

Exclusion Criteria:

• systemic or neurological conditions that could alter sensation (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes)
• any surgery or fracture within 6 months
• blood-clotting disorders or contraindications to pressure and heat stimuli
• current pregnancy and requirement for medical clearance to exercise (screened with Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire-Plus PAR-Q+
• not receiving physical therapy or chiropractor treatments for low back pain