Diabetic Patients with Chronic Pain After Lumbar Surgery Experienced Fewer Analgesic Effects of Laser Therapy

Abstract

Background: Recent studies indicate that several factors are associated with different responses to pain relief and alteration in reactions to non-pharmacological modalities and pharmacological medications. Biological processes appear to be contributory factors to these outcomes. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine how laser therapy can help as a conservative approach for chronic pain after back surgery in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: This research included 22 diabetic patients and 26 non-diabetic patients with chronic pain after back surgery. Points of laser irradiation were determined by an ultrasound examination, specifically targeting bilateral sacroiliac joints, L2 - L3 through L5 - S1 facet joints, and the area of cluneal nerves. The duration of laser therapy was three weeks, with treatment sessions using an 808 nm diode laser at a power of 0.5W, performed every other day. Individuals were evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) before and after treatment, and again six months later. Results: Oswestry Disability Index and Numeric Rating Scale scores decreased significantly after treatment and six months later. Furthermore, analysis of the data showed that diabetic patients experienced less therapeutic effect during and after laser therapy sessions. Conclusions: Although laser therapy can reduce pain, diabetic patients reported a lower level of effectiveness compared to non-diabetic patients.