Class 4 Laser Therapy for Low Back Pain

This case study aims to explore the effectiveness of photobiomodulation with a class 4 therapy laser in treating low back pain. A 45-year-old patient who suffered from chronic low back pain due to degenerative disc disease underwent a series of class 4 laser therapy sessions over a period of four weeks. The study evaluates the outcomes, pain reduction, and functional improvements observed. The results suggest that class 4 laser therapy may offer a promising non-invasive option for managing chronic low back pain.

Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that affects a significant portion of the population worldwide. It can be caused by various factors, including degenerative disc disease, muscle strain, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis. Traditional treatment options for low back pain range from conservative approaches such as physical therapy and medication to more invasive interventions like surgery. In recent years, class 4 laser therapy has gained attention as a potential alternative or adjunctive treatment for pain management.

The broad definition of photobiomodulation is as follows: “A form of light therapy that utilizes non-ionizing forms of light sources including LASERS, LEDs, and broadband light, in the visible and near infrared spectrum. It is a non-thermal process involving endogenous chromophores eliciting photophysical and photochemical events at various biological scales.” Class 4 therapy lasers most commonly use multiple wavelengths of red and infrared laser light to target various chromophores in the tissues.