Use of low-frequency laser and magnetotherapy treatments in women with lumbosacral pain complaints

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of physical therapy in the treatment of pain associated with degenerative changes of the lumbosacral spine. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five women diagnosed with degenerative disease of the lumbosacral spine participated in the study. The patients were divided into two study groups and one group was assigned laser therapy treatments and the other group was assigned low frequency magnetotherapy treatments. Pain levels were tested using a numerical scale and disability levels were assessed using a standardised Roland-Moriss questionnaire. Results: In the group of women in which the laser therapy treatment was performed, the scatter plot of the two variables DQRM-Laser therapy_1 (assessed questionnaire before the laser therapy treatments) and DQRM-Laser therapy_2 (assessed questionnaire after the completed magnetotherapy treatments) shows lower values after the completed series of laser therapy treatments .The score represents the sum of the marked answers to the questions, the greater the sum of the scores the greater the degree of impaired performance .There are four degrees of quality of life impairment: none/slight – 0-3 points, medium – 4-10 points, large – 11-17 points, very large – 18-24 points. Conclusions: The study showed that both study groups had reduced levels of pain and obtained reduced Roland-Moriss questionnaire values. There was a significant statistical difference for the reduction of pain sensations in the lumbosacral spine.