RESUMEN
Background: Chronic low back pain is among a wide spread musculoskeletal conditions that is related to disability with high economy cost. There are several treatment modalities for controlling chronic low back pain [CLBP], among them high intensity laser therapy [HILT] and epidural blocks [EB] use more commonly. This study aimed to evaluate the benefits and hazards of each of these two methods
Materials and Methods: We designed a randomized controlled double blind study during 24 months.101 patients divided in 2 groups [52 in EB and 49 in HILT group]. Pain intensity was assessed by using faces pain scales [FPS] and LINKERT questionaries' before procedure and during one, four, 12, and 24 weeks after beginning the procedures
Results: There were no differences between two groups in FPS lumber tenderness, straight leg rising test [SLRT], paresthesia, deep tendon reflex [DTR], and imaging changes. Motor problems seem was less in HILT group comparing EB
Conclusion: This study showed both EB and HILT approaches can control the pain intensity and motor activities in CLBP patients. Future studies will clarify the precise importance of each these methods