Efficacy of LOW intensity laser therapy in the treatment of patients with chronic LOW back pain

The aim of our study is to investigate the effectiveness of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) combined with exercise on pain, functional capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain.40 patients, aged between 18-65, with chronic low back pain more than 3 months were included in our study. Patients were randomized into two groups. Group 1 (n=20) recieved LLLT+Exercise and group 2 (n=20) recieved exercise for 15 sessions. Patients were evaluated before treatment, at the end of treatment and at the 3rd month follow-up. Pain severity was evaluated by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), functional capacity was evaluated by Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (MODQ) and quality of life was evaluated by Short Form-36 (SF-36). In both groups at the end of treatment and at the 3rd month follow-up, there were statistically significant improvements in VAS and MODQ scores. There were statistically significant difference between groups in VAS and MODQ scores in favor of LLLT group. In control group, "RE", "MH" and "BP" scale measurements were higher at the end of treatment. In LLLT group "PF", "RF", "V", "MH", "BP" and "HC" scale measurements were higher at the end of treatment. But there were no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of SF-36 scores. LLLT combined with exercise is effective in reduction in pain and improvement in function in patients with chronic low back pain in the short term and at the 3rd month follow-up. However, the benefits of LLLT on patients' quality of life could not be statistically determined. Further research is required.