Effect of High-Intensity Laser Therapy on Disc Size and Functional Outcome in Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation

BACKGROUND: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a prevalent major cause of low back pain and radicular syndromes in the lower extremities. Elevated disc herniation volumes and the subsequent progression of spinal canal compromise are positively correlated with higher severity of radicular symptoms, functional disability, and neurological deficits. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on disc size and functional outcomes in patients with LDH. METHODS: This study enrolled 40 patients of both sexes (40% male and 60% female), ages from 30 to 45 years, all presenting with lumbosacral radiculopathy secondary to L4-L5 or L5-S1 disc herniation. Participants were randomly assigned to two equal groups. Group A (study group) received HILT group treated with a combined standard physical therapy exercise program, while Group B (control group) underwent a sham HILT procedure alongside the same physical therapy exercise program. Interventions were conducted three times a week over 6 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in disc herniation size in anteroposterior, transverse, and posterior vertical diameter as measured by magnetic resonance imaging. The secondary outcomes included pain intensity assessed by the visual analogue scale (VAS) and functional disability assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). RESULTS: < 0.001). CONCLUSION: HILT serves as a potent noninvasive modality for reducing the herniated lumbar discs size and providing significant pain relief and improving functional outcomes in individuals with lumbosacral radiculopathy.