Abstract
Introduction: Chronic low back pain (cLBP) can be physically and psychologically debilitating and disproportionally afflicts vulnerable populations. Yoga and education are increasingly common interventions for cLBP yet are understudied in low-income and minority adults. The objective of this qualitative study was to understand the yoga and self-care experience of adults with cLBP from urban, underserved communities who were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial that included these treatments. Methods: We interviewed 26 (18 yoga and 8 education) participants. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis with codes developed inductively from data. Results: Participants from both yoga and education groups reported initial apprehension and ambivalence toward their respective intervention. However, physical and psychological benefits were noted, mainly in the form of improved pain self-management. Communal support and camaraderie reported by the yoga group was absent and desired by education participants. Social factors impeding the ability to sustain yoga practice included transportation, access, and cost, whereas education participants described literacy and language challenges and a general lack of motivation to read the book. Conclusion: Yoga and education are viable treatments for adults with cLBP who live in underserved neighborhoods. However, social stigma and socioeconomic barriers may hinder their uptake. Communal support in group-based nonpharmacological treatments is valued and may contribute to participation and clinical outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01343927.