THE USE OF INFRARED LASER THERAPY FOR THE COMBINED TREATMENT OF INTERVERTEBRAL DISK HERNIAS IN THE LUMBOSACRAL SEGMENT OF THE SPINAL COLUMN

The present study included 92 patients aged from 22 to 70 years presenting with intervertebral disk hernias in the lumbosacral segment of the spinal column. They were treated using different laserotherapeutic modalities within 2-3 days after surgical intervention (interlaminectomy and treatment of posterior interspinous dynamic spondylosis with the use of a Diam stabilization system). It was shown that infrared laser irradiation alleviated pain syndrome, eliminated neurologic deficit, and promoted correction of asymmetry in the bioelectrical activity of the muscles of the lower extremities with a simultaneous increase of their functional activity and improvement of hemodynamics. Laser irradiation of the respective vascular-nervous bundle (transcutaneous blood irradiation) and of the postoperative field (along the sciatic nerve) produced a more pronounced therapeutic effect than paravertebral irradiation and irradiation at the trigger points.

laser therapy, intervertebral disk hernias of the lumbosacral segment of the vertebral column, early postoperative period, rehabilitation