A 39 year old patient was presented with the following medical history.
Patient had been involved in a motor vehicle accident, in that he was hit by a motor vehicle during manufacturer test trials. The man suffered severe spinal injuries which in turn led to a spinal fusion of the L1-L2 vertebra. The surgery had only given a short period of relief from the pain, and the patient was retired from work with a compensation package.
The medical advice was to take prescribed medication as necessary, and allow time for the condition to settle.
This patient presented for Laser Therapy some 2 years post surgery. His wife made the initial appointment for him, as she was "desperate" to find a solution for his day to day pain. She was concerned at his addiction to his pain medication, and his suffering was having negative affects on their relationship, in addition to the overall family picture (2 young children).
The patient was otherwise in good physical condition.
Low Level Laser (LLLT) was applied paraspinally (with soft pressure, skin contact) over the nerve roots of the L1-L2 vertebra, along with a number of myofascial trigger points, found in the local area, and in the upper buttocks. These were found by palpation.
All points were treated with a 250mw near infrared, 810nm Laser probe, 4 Joules per point. ie 16 seconds per point. During treatment, the patient reported a mild "stinging/aching" sensation over the nerve roots.
A rest period of 4-5 minutes was allowed, followed by further palpation of the trigger points, and local musculature, for any spontaneously tender points. 4 of the 6 trigger points were given a second application of 4 Joules each.
The scar tissue from the surgery was also treated with a 6 Joules Dosage, delivered by "scanning slowly back & forth along the scar tissue.
The patient was warned that a pain "reaction" may occur some 2 hours post treatment, and to take 2-3 500mg Paracetamol if this happened.
The patient reported back the following morning, that yes, the pain had increased for some 6 hours, Paracetamol (1 Dose) was taken, and that sleep that night had been "better". On arising from bed in the morning, he was surprised to find a large reduction in the "normal morning stiffness and pain level".
A further treatment using the same approach was given that afternoon (second day), and then every 2nd day for a further 4 treatments. During this time, both patient and wife were counseled, in relation to the expected positive outcome, both were advised to take a High potency Vitamin B complex which included Valerian, Passion Flower, and Hops. Both were under considerable stress.
In the 3rd week, the patient was given a portable pen version Laser with a 100mw 810nm output for daily or "as required" use at home. This was for an initial period 2 weeks. His wife was shown how to apply the unit. Dosage was per the initial treatment of 4 Joules per point.
At the end of the 3rd week, the patient reported that his pain levels had reduced by at least 75-80%, and could now manage short shopping excursions with his wife. Both reported a "definite benefit" with the Vitamin B complex, in that they felt they were sleeping better, and coping better with other aspects of their lives.
This patient responded in a typical positive manner, and some 4 months later was no longer taking any prescribed medication. He learned to selectively apply the Laser if he knew he was going to have a physically active day, he would treat himself in the morning and again at the end of the day.
3 months later, the patient took himself off the Social Welfare payments, and purchased a local "fancy dress-costume" business with some of his insurance compensation payment.
6 years later, he is still in business, and has opened a second premise. The Laser is only needed occasionally, generally after days of heavy physical activity.
Many patients who are long term chronic, with or without surgical intervention, and have suffered muscle-skeletal trauma, are prime candidates for LLLT, where other modalities have failed. In fact, an ideal situation would include Laser application in the immediate acute stage.
Kind regards,
Kerry
Kerry Tume
M.Ac.F. M.I.L.A. C.M.T.A.
President ATLA (Australasian Therapeutic Laser Association)
http://tumelaser.com
http://ATLA-Inc.netfirms.com