Combined Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy and Neural Mobilization on Functional Outcomes in Patients with Lumbar Disc Prolapse

Zaghloul, Aya Saadan; Alkhozamy, Hamed Mohamed; Abdelkader, Nasr Awad

doi:10.21608/ejptr.2025.416526.1057

Combined Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy and Neural Mobilization on Functional Outcomes in Patients with Lumbar Disc Prolapse

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Its Surgery, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt

² Department of Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders and its Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt

10.21608/ejptr.2025.416526.1057

Abstract

Background: Repositioning nuclear material from bulging, increasing fluid and nutrient exchange, lowering intradiscal pressures, and accelerating disc regeneration are all potential treatments for discogenic lumbar radiculopathy. Purpose: The objective of this trial was to assess the combined impact of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Neural Mobilization (NM) on functional disability and neural mobility in patients with Lumbar Disc Prolapse (LDP). Material and Methods: The 40 patients in this randomized controlled experiment were aged between 30 and 50 years and had MRIs confirming a diagnosis of lumbar disc prolapse with unilateral radiculopathy. Patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups: study group (n=20) received LLLT in conjunction with NM, while the control group (n=20) received with NM. Two instruments were employed to evaluate functional impairment the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Straight Leg Raise (SLR). Results: Both groups' ODI and SLR significantly improved after therapy as compared to before treatment, according to the within-group comparison. The results of the between-groups analysis were significant differenceto the study group in both variables (p<.05). Conclusions: Combining LLLT with NM offers superior clinical benefits for patients with LDP compared to NM alone as combining LLLT with NM provides superior benefits in lumbar disc prolapse because LLLT reduces inflammation and pain while NM restores neural mobility—together enhancing functional recovery more effectively than NM alone. The significant enhancements in functional disability and neural mobility in the study group highlight the efficacy of this combined therapeutic approach

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