The following is a summary of the “Laser Acupuncture Analgesia on Postpartum Low Back Pain: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study,” published in the February 2023 issue of Pain management by Cheng, et al.

Examine laser acupuncture therapy’s (LAT) pain-relieving benefits on postpartum low back pain. Between November 2017 and July 2018, postpartum women experiencing LBP were enrolled and randomly allocated to either an intervention or a control group. All people in the intervention group were given LAT in addition to the regular medical attention they usually receive. Likewise, control group members were provided with the usual medical attention. 

The key measure of effectiveness was the Neck and Back Pain Visual Analog Scale. Restrictions in regular activities and exercise were secondary outcomes, along with scores on a stress scale and levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the saliva. In all, 106 participants were recruited and assigned to the intervention or control groups. As compared with the control group, the participants in the LAT group had significantly lower intensity of LBP (mean ± SD: 1.21 ± 0.99 vs. 3.25 ± 1.14; P < .001), limitations of daily activities (mean ± SD: 3.17 ± 2.09 vs. 10.40 ± 4.72; P < .001) and physical activity (mean ± SD: 3.04 ± 2.17 vs. 9.79 ± 4.71; P < .001), perceived stress (mean ± SD: 26.13 ± 3.97 vs. 28.85 ± 4.26; P = .001), and salivary cortisol levels (mean ± SD: 0.194 ± 0.131 vs. 0.280 ± 0.234; P = .02) post-intervention.

When compared to standard therapy alone, the analgesic efficacy, perceived stress, constraints on daily activities and physical activity, and salivary cortisol levels of LAT for postpartum LBP were all the better than those of standard care alone.

Source: sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1524904222001497