RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07688915

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

Comparison of the Effectiveness of High-Intensity Laser Therapy and Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection in Patients With Chronic Axial and Radicular Low Back Pain Due to Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Sponsor

Ankara City Hospital Bilkent

Enrollment

24 participants

Start Date

Aug 1, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Lumbar Radiculopathy Chronic Low-back Pain Lumbar Disc Herniation Radicular Pain

Summary

This prospective, randomized, single-blinded, controlled clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy and fluoroscopy-guided transforaminal epidural steroid injection in patients with chronic low back pain and lumbar radiculopathy. Eligible patients will be randomized into two parallel groups. One group will receive high-intensity laser therapy, and the other group will receive transforaminal epidural steroid injection. All participants will also receive a standardized home-based exercise program. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after treatment. The primary outcome will be pain intensity measured by the Visual Analog Scale. Secondary outcomes will include functional disability, neuropathic pain symptoms, quality of life, and functional walking capacity.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 65 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This clinical trial is studying a medical device called High-Intensity Laser Therapy and a procedure called Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections for people with chronic low-back pain, lumbar disc herniation, and other related conditions. The study is currently recruiting participants at 1 location. People eligible for this study include aged 18 Years to 65 Years.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

DEVICEHigh-Intensity Laser Therapy

High-intensity laser therapy will be applied using a pulsed Nd:YAG laser with a wavelength of 1064 nm. Treatment will be delivered in 15 sessions over 3 weeks to the lumbar paravertebral region. Each session will last approximately 10-12 minutes with a total energy dose of 2500 joules.

PROCEDURETransforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections

Fluoroscopy-guided transforaminal epidural steroid injection will be performed by an experienced physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. After confirmation of needle placement with contrast medium, 2 mL of 2% lidocaine hydrochloride and 8 mg/2 mL dexamethasone will be administered.