Effects of high-intensity laser in treatment of patients with chronic low back pain

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Chronic low back pain lasts longer than 12 weeks and is characterised by pain, muscle weakness, reduced functional ability and psychosocial burden.AIM: To compare the effects of two physical modalities, high-intensity laser against ultrasound therapy in the treatment of patients with chronic low back pain.MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective, monocentric, controlled clinical study comprising a group of 54 patients at the age between 25 and 65 years. Patients were divided into two groups: an examined group of 27 patients (high-intensity laser and exercises) and a control group of 27 patients (ultrasound therapy and exercises). The results were evaluated by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Oswestry Disability Index and Schober’s test. Clinical findings were evaluated at the same time points for all patients, before treatment, at two weeks and three months following treatment. Statistical analyses were made to compare the differences between the results obtained on admission and the two consecutive control check-ups. Statistical significance was defined as a P value < 0.05.RESULTS: The examined group showed statistically significantly better results than the control group after completion of the treatment (at two weeks) and at follow up after three months.CONCLUSION: This study has shown that patient with chronic low back pain treated with a high-intensity laser has significantly reduced low back pain, reduced disability and improved range of motion. Its positive effect maintained for three months. It seems to be an effective, safe and useful physical modality in the treatment of a patient with chronic low back pain.