Efficacy of high intensity laser therapy in treatment of patients with lumbar disc protrusion: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the effect of high intensity laser therapy (HILT) in patients with lumbar disc protrusion (LDP).

METHODS: This study included 63 patients suffering from protrusion of lumbar intervertebral disc; they were divided into Groups 1 (n= 32) and 2 (n= 31). Group 1 was treated with HILT and spinal decompression system (SDS). Patients in Group 2 received SDS alone. Evaluations were conducted on oswestry disability index (ODI), lumbosacral portion pain, and lower limb radiation pain with visual analogue scale (VAS) of two patient groups before treatment, two weeks after treatment, and 1 month after follow-up visit. Lumbar flexion range and angle of straight leg raising before treatment and 2 weeks after treatment.

RESULTS: After two weeks of treatment of two patient groups, ODI, VAS, lumbar flexion range and angle of straight leg raising significantly improved compared with their conditions before treatment (P< 0.01). A significant difference was noted in ODI, lumbar flexion range, and angle of straight leg raising between groups after two weeks of treatment (P< 0.05). Non-statistical significant difference was observed in lumbosacral portion pain and lower limb radiation pain with VAS (P> 0.05). However, difference in was VAS smaller in Group 1. All groups showed significantly different results in terms of ODI, lumbosacral portion pain, and lower limb radiation pain with VAS.

CONCLUSION: As one of available treatments for LDP, HILT can speed up improvement in lumbar segment motion, angle of straight leg raising, and overall function and allow early return of patients to their family and society. Treatment effect is long-lasting and can be widely promoted and applied clinically.