Comparing High-Intensity Laser Therapy and Fluoroscopy-Guided Epidural Steroid Injection for Chronic Low Back and Leg Pain Due to Lumbar Disc Herniation

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating two treatments for adults aged 18 to 65 with chronic low back pain and leg pain caused by lumbar disc herniation. This trial compares high-intensity laser therapy and fluoroscopy-guided transforaminal epidural steroid injection to understand their effects on pain and function. The study includes patients with confirmed lumbar disc herniation and persistent pain lasting more than 3 months. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive 15 sessions of high-intensity laser therapy over 3 weeks using a pulsed NdYAG laser applied to the lower back area. The other group will receive a fluoroscopy-guided steroid injection near the affected nerve root. All participants will also follow a standardized home exercise program during the study. Treatments and exercises aim to reduce pain and improve function. Participants will be assessed at the start of the study and then at 2, 6, and 12 weeks after treatment. Researchers will measure pain intensity using the Visual Analog Scale as the primary outcome. Additional assessments include disability levels, neuropathic pain symptoms, quality of life, and walking ability. The study will monitor responses to treatments and collect these data to compare effectiveness and safety over the 12-week period.

High-Intensity Laser Therapy Versus Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection in Chronic Lumbar Disc Herniation-Related Low Back and Radicular Pain