Great news for people that have chronic lower back pain! This study shows findings of a randomized controlled trial that investigated the effectiveness of linear polarized polychromatic light therapy on myofascial trigger points in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). Forty-two participants with chronic NSLBP were divided into two groups: one received polarized light therapy on trigger points in the gluteus medius and quadratus lumborum muscles, while the other group received sham therapy. Pain intensity, pain sensitivity, back disability, and lumbar range of motion were measured before and after the intervention.
The results showed that the group receiving polarized light therapy had significant improvements in pain intensity and pain sensitivity compared to the sham group. Specifically, there were significant improvements in pain intensity and pain sensitivity of the left gluteus medius and bilateral quadratus lumborum muscles. However, both groups showed similar improvements in lumbar range of motion and back disability.
The study suggests that linear polarized polychromatic light therapy in the range of red and near-infrared rays can effectively reduce pain intensity and sensitivity of myofascial trigger points in chronic NSLBP. However, the therapy did not have a significant impact on lumbar range of motion or back disability.
It is important to note that the study had some limitations, including a small sample size and a short-term follow-up. Further research is needed to explore the effects of polarized polychromatic light therapy on other myofascial trigger points and to investigate different doses and durations of treatment.
Authors and Affiliations
Authors and Affiliations
Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
Eman Ahmed Embaby
Contributions
GTS and EAE made substantial contributions to the conception, design of the study; the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data, further they substantively revised the manuscript. FSA contributed significantly in the conception and design of the study and substantively revised the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Corresponding author
Correspondence to Eman Ahmed Embaby.
https://bfpt.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43161-022-00085-9