Effect of low level laser therapy in acute low back pain with radiculopathy: A single blinded randomized control study

Abstract

Background

The lifetime prevalence of low back pain is reported as over 70% in industrialized countries. Peak prevalence occurs between ages 35 and 55. There is increasing evidence that inflammation in association with root compression is the main pathological factor of radiculopathy. LLLT can be advantageous because its therapeutic window for anti-inflammatory actions overlaps with its ability to promote tissue repair in a dose dependent manner.

Objective

The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of low level laser therapy and conventional therapy in acute low back pain with radiculopathy.

Methodology

Study proceeded after ethical clearance from the central ethical committee of Nitte University. The subjects diagnosed with acute low back pain with radiculopathy by an orthopaedician fulfilling the inclusion criteria will be included in the study. An informed written consent will be collected from all the subjects included in the study.

A total of 100 patients will be included in the study and they will be randomly assigned into two groups using convenience sampling. One group will receive conventional therapy and the other group LLLT.

Visual Analogue Scale, Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, Modified Schober’s test will be measured pre and post  following  treatment for a duration of 5 days.

Results

Both groups have shown significant improvement but low level laser therapy group have shown more significant results (p value <0.001) compared to control group managed with conventional therapy.

Conclusion

Based on the above results we conclude that low level laser therapy is having a remarkable effect on pain control and tissue repair in acute back pain with radiculopathy. Further research in dosiometry and also with large sample seize is recommended.