The Effect of High Intensity Laser on Muscle Quality and Pain in Those With Low Back Pain

Low back pain (LBP) contributes to disability and has a significant economic impact. High intensity laser devices are class 4 producing > 40 W of power at longer wavelengths, thereby allowing deeper tissue penetration. Currently, there is little evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of high intensity laser treatment in those with chronic LBP. Optimal dosing strategies are still unknown as well as patient response based on chronicity of symptoms. Therefore, our study seeks to evaluate the effectives of high intensity laser therapy using CureWave in those with LBP of a duration longer than 3 months and with a dosing strategy of two times/week for three weeks.

Hypothesis

1. CureWave laser therapy will increase total oxygenated hemoglobin and muscle blood flow in patients with chronic LBP.
2. CureWave laser therapy will reduce inflammation as assessed by muscle edema in patients with chronic LBP.
3. CureWave laser therapy will improve paraspinal echogenicity (muscle quality) following treatment in patients with chronic LBP.
4. CureWave laser therapy will decrease muscle sensitivity in patients with chronic LBP
5. CureWave laser therapy will demonstrate improve patient reported outcomes, including decreased pain, reduced disability and improved function in patients with chronic LBP.
6. CureWave laser therapy will increase muscle activation during maximal strength testing.
7. CureWave laser therapy will decrease performance fatigability as assessed by maximal muscle activation and force production.