Authors: Marija Gocevska, Erieta Nikolikj-Dimitrova, Cvetanka Gjerakaroska-Savevska Published in: Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences https://doi: 10.3889/oamjms.2019.117 This study was conducted to compare high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) to ultrasound therapy when used in combination with exercise in the treatment of chronic low back pain. The study enrolled fifty-four patients who had back pain for at least 3 months. Patients were divided into 2 treatment groups.
- HILT + Exercise Patients received 5 sessions of laser therapy per week for 2 weeks. Dose was delivered at 4 W, 1.5 J/cm² over L1-L5 and S1.
- Ultrasound + Exercise Patients received 5 sessions of ultrasound therapy per week for 2 weeks. Ultrasound was delivered at an intensity of 0.5 W/cm².
Patients in both groups completed at-home strengthening exercises 15 min/day for 3 months. Outcome measures for the study included the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Schober’s test for lumbar range of motion, and the Oswestry Disability Index to assess function. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline, after 2 weeks of treatment, and at 3 months follow-up.
- Pain and Function The HILT group had significantly greater improvement in pain and function compared to the ultrasound group after 2 weeks of treatment and at 3 months follow-up. The average pain score decreased by 74% in the HILT group at the 3 month follow-up while the ultrasound group pain score decreased by 30%.
- Range of Motion At 3 months follow-up, the HILT group had significantly increased lumbar flexion compared to the ultrasound group.
Take Home Message
- The study concluded that HILT significantly reduced patients’ chronic low back pain and improved their range of motion and function. The positive results were maintained long-term out to 3 months.
- HILT can be used in combination with exercise to give patients better outcomes for their chronic low back pain.
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