Effectiveness of High Intensity Laser Therapy in Management of Lumbar Disc Herniation

Starting soon · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Lomber Disc Herniation

In brief

Chronic lumbar radiculopathy is a multifactorial condition typically caused by lumbar disc herniation, where degenerative changes lead to nerve root compression, resulting in radiating pain, sensory disturbances, and motor deficits. Management requires a multidisciplinary, primarily conservative approach centered on physical therapy, including exercise, electrotherapy, and other non-invasive modalities. Exercise plays a key role in improving spinal stability, mobility, posture, and neuromuscular coordination, while treatments like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) provide pain relief through neuromodulation and tissue regeneration mechanisms. Recent evidence suggests that combining HILT with exercise may enhance functional outcomes more effectively than exercise alone. Accordingly, this study aims to compare the effectiveness of exercise alone, exercise combined with HILT, and exercise combined with conventional therapies (ultrasound, hot pack, and TENS) in patients with lumbar disc herniation. Patients aged 18-65 will be randomly assigned to three groups and undergo a 3-week treatment program, with outcomes assessed through measures of pain, disability, range of motion, and quality of life.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07550569

Run by

Baskent University

People needed

150

Starts

2026-05-01

Expected to finish

2027-02-28

Last updated by the study team

2026-04-24

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 65. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Males and females aged 18-65 years
• Diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation via MRI and presenting with low back pain
• No History of lumbar physical therapy in the last 3 months
• No History of analgesic or muscle relaxant use since initial presentation
• Willingness to participate and signed informed consent

You may not qualify if…

• History of Fibromyalgia diagnosis
• History of acute trauma
• History of Lumbar instability
• History of Rheumatologic disease
• Motor deficits or myelopathy
• History of Lumbar injections in the last 3 months
• History of Previous lumbar surgery
• Pregnancy
• Pacemaker
• Cognitive impairment or unwillingness to comply with treatment

Where it is running

• Baskent University — Ankara, Bahcelievler, Turkey (Türkiye)
• Baskent University — Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)
• Başkent University Ankara Hospital — Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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