The lifetime prevalence of low back pain is reported to be as high as 84%, and the prevalence of chronic low back pain is about 23%, with 11–12% of the population being disabled by low back pain.  Yoga is a traditional mind-body system originating in India over 4000 years ago. The goal of yoga, a Sanskrit term meaning “yoke or union” do not centre primality on physical, but rather on integration of mind, body and spirit, cultivation of balance, calm, harmony and awareness. 

Cochrane review on yoga for chronic low back pain has concluded, it is uncertain whether there is any difference between yoga and other exercise for back-related function or pain. Recent study has validated integrated yoga module comprising yoga postures and breathing for chronic low back pain, however scientific evidence of effect of yoga on pathology of low back pain is lacking. Lumbar muscle degeneration is characterized by a decrease in cross-sectional area (CSA) and an increase in the amount of fat content of the lumbar paraspinal muscles. According to the recent studies, the patients with chronic low back pain have Thoraco lumbar Fascia (TLF) thickened by 25% or more measured through Ultrasound imaging. No study could be retrieved on the effects of yoga on cross sectional area of lumbar multifidus with magnetic resonance imaging and thoracolumbar fascia using Ultrasound imaging in chronic low back pain. 

Patients diagnosed with chronic low back pain will be allocated randomly in two groups: yoga and dynamic muscular stabilisation group. Both the groups will undergo training under supervision for 3-5 days/week for 12 weeks. Baseline data will be collected followed by recording of primary outcome measures (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and secondary outcome measures (Ultrasound Imaging, Oswestry Disability index, Visual Analogue Score, Optimism, self-efficacy, mood, physical activity, fear of movement, pain catastrophizing and coping) at baseline, after 12 weeks. Data will be collected and analyzed.