From the Research
Role of Laser Treatment in Managing Sciatica
The role of laser treatment in managing sciatica (lumbar radiculopathy) can be understood through various studies that have investigated its effectiveness.
- Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been found to be effective in reducing leg and neuropathic pains associated with sciatica, with some studies suggesting it to be more effective than transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) 1.
- Percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) is a minimally invasive treatment option that has been reported to be safe and effective for patients with lumbar discogenic pain and sciatica, with a preliminary report showing improvement in sciatica symptoms in 80% of patients at three months 2.
- A randomized controlled trial comparing PLDD with conventional microdiscectomy for patients with sciatica found no significant difference in outcomes between the two groups at two-year follow-up, suggesting that PLDD could be a viable alternative to surgical management 3.
- Experimental studies have also demonstrated the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in reducing pain in animal models of sciatica, with one study showing that LLLT at 830 nm was effective in reducing pain in rats with sciatica 4.
- Another study highlighted the potential of PLDD as a treatment option for patients with sciatica, with a randomized controlled trial design to evaluate its cost-effectiveness compared to conventional open discectomy 5.
Key Findings
- LLLT can be effective in reducing leg and neuropathic pains associated with sciatica.
- PLDD is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with lumbar discogenic pain and sciatica.
- PLDD may be a viable alternative to surgical management for patients with sciatica.
- Low-level laser therapy can be effective in reducing pain in animal models of sciatica.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the role of laser treatment in managing sciatica and to determine its potential as a treatment option.