Effectiveness of High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) in Patients With Chronic Lumbar Radiculopathy Due to Disc Herniation.

Launched by ANKARA CITY HOSPITAL BILKENT · Oct 19, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effectiveness of High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) for patients suffering from chronic low back pain caused by a herniated disc in the lumbar region. The researchers want to find out if this laser treatment can help reduce pain, improve function, and decrease disability more effectively than standard treatments like heat therapy and electrical stimulation. The trial involves two groups: one group will receive HILT along with other treatments, while the second group will receive similar treatments but with a placebo version of the laser therapy.

To participate, individuals must be between 18 and 65 years old and have a diagnosis of lumbar radiculopathy that is confirmed by an MRI. They should be able to read and understand the study information. Participants will attend 15 treatment sessions, which will include exercises to do at home. Before starting and after completing the treatments, they will fill out questionnaires about their pain and daily activities, and they will also have a follow-up three months later to see how they are doing. It's important to note that certain conditions, such as pregnancy or serious health issues, may exclude someone from joining the study.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients diagnosed with lumbar radiculopathy due to lumbar disc herniation and whose complaints are correlated with lumbar MRI
• • Patients aged 18-65 years
• • Patients who agreed to participate in the study
• • Literate patients
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Pregnancy
• • Patients with cardiac pacemakers
• • Patients with a diagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic disease,
• • Patients with a diagnosis of polyneuropathy that precludes receiving treatment,
• • Patients with active or history of malignancy within the last 1 year and currently receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy,
• • Patients with serious psychiatric illness,
• • Patients with severe coagulation disorders,
• • Spinal Stenosis (patients with spinal canal diameter less than 8 mm)
• • Patients with neurologic deficits that prevent them from receiving treatment,
• • Patients with active infection,
• • Patients with vasculitis,
• • Patients with skin disease in the treated area,
• • Patients who received steroid injections and/or physical therapy for the lumbar region within the last 3 months,
• • Patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery,
• • Patients with acute trauma,
• • Patients with a history of lumbar instability,
• • Patients with uncontrolled or severe cardiovascular or metabolic disorders