Study of High Intensity Laser Therapy Compared to Standard Electrotherapy for Chronic Lumbar Radiculopathy from Disc Herniation

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of High Intensity Laser Therapy HILT on disability, functionality, and pain in adults with chronic radicular low back pain caused by lumbar disc herniation. This study compares HILT to conventional electrotherapy methods to determine if HILT offers better short- and long-term relief of low back and leg pain. The trial includes both male and female patients aged 18 to 65 years with radicular pain confirmed by lumbar MRI and lasting more than 12 weeks. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups Group A receives 15 sessions of Hotpack, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation TENS, HILT using a specific device mode, and home exercise programs focusing on lumbar strengthening and core stabilization. Group B receives the same Hotpack, TENS, and exercises but with sham HILT treatment instead of active laser therapy. Treatments occur five days a week for three weeks, totaling 15 sessions. Patients will be assessed before treatment, immediately after completing treatment, and again at three months follow-up. Evaluations include questionnaires on disability, life functions, and pain using tools such as the Visual Analogue Scale VAS, Revised Oswestry Disability Index ODI, Nottingham Health Profile NHP, and LANSS Pain Scale. The study monitors short- and long-term effects of the therapies on pain and function.

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