Comparison of the effectiveness of TENS and low-level laser therapy applied to the sciatic nerve region in chronic lumbar radiculopathy

Abstract

Introduction: This study was carried out to assess and compare the efficacies of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) applied to sciatic Valleix points to reduce sciatica in patients with chronic lumbar radiculopathy. Methods: The study population consisted of 164 patients with chronic radicular pain caused by LDH. The remaining 75 patients were studied in three groups. TENS and hotpack were applied to the lower back region of all patients. In addition, group 1 (n=24), group 2 (n=25), and group 3 (n=26) received LLLT (4 J/cm2 for each point), TENS, and sham LLLT, respectively, on sciatic Valleix points five days a week, for three weeks (15 sessions). Outcomes were assessed at the beginning of the treatment, after completion of 3 weeks of treatment, and after three months (follow-up). Results: Post-treatment assessments indicated that all parameters investigated within the scope of the study improved in all three groups, except for the VAS leg pain (VASLP) score in group 3. Post-treatment VASLP and DN4 scores of group 1 were significantly superior to those of group 2 (P˂0.001). Follow-up assessments revealed an improvement only in the VASLP score and in group 1. The VASLP, DN-4, and ODI scores of groups 1 and 2 were significantly superior to those of group 3. There was no significant difference between the groups in the PSQI score and lumbar ROM value. Conclusion: Both LLLT and TENS were found to be effective in treating the sciatic nerve associated with lumbar disk herniation with radiculopathy. LLLT was found to be more effective than TENS in reducing leg and neuropathic pains. Follow-up assessments revealed that the only lasting effect of the treatments, which continued into the third month, was the improvement in leg pain.