THE EFFECT OF YOGASANA AND NADI SHODHANA PRANAYAMA ON BACK PAIN AMONG MIDDLE-AGED HOUSEWIVES

Background: Lower back pain (LBP) is a common issue among middle-aged housewives, often resulting from poor posture, weak back muscles, and stress. Non-pharmacological interventions such as yoga, including Yogasana and Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, have been explored for their therapeutic benefits in alleviating pain and improving quality of life. Method: The study included 50 middle-aged housewives with back pain. Participants were assessed for back pain severity using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before and after a 1.5-month intervention involving daily practice of Yogasana and Nadi Shodhana Pranayama. Statistical analysis using paired t-tests was conducted to evaluate the impact of the intervention. Results: The results showed a significant reduction in mean back pain scores from 7.32 (SD = 1.78) pre-intervention to 4.55 (SD = 1.43) post-intervention (t = 29.37, p < 0.0001). This significant improvement highlights the effectiveness of the combined yogic practices in alleviating back pain. Conclusions: The study concludes that Yogasana and Nadi Shodhana Pranayama are effective non-pharmacological interventions for reducing back pain among middle-aged housewives. These practices improve physical flexibility, strengthen back muscles, and promote relaxation, addressing both the physical and psychological dimensions of pain. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating yoga into daily routines for sustainable health benefits and encourage further research on long-term effects and broader demographic applications.