Using laser therapy to reduce lower back pain after spinal surgery
Official title: Utilizing Photobiomodulation Via Laser Diode Belts To Treat Chronic Lower Back Pain in Patients Who Have Undergone Spinal Fusion and Decompression Surgery
Run by University of California, Los Angeles · NCT06282770 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a special laser therapy can help people with chronic lower back pain feel better after having spinal surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Los Angeles, California and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 1, 2023 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06282770 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have undergone minimally invasive spinal fusion or decompression surgery within the last 1 to 5 years and experience chronic lower back pain.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with tumors, current infections, or severe spinal conditions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of photobiomodulation using laser diodes in reducing chronic lower back pain following spinal fusion and decompression surgeries. It involves 80 patients who will be divided into two groups: one receiving a laser diode brace and the other a sham brace. Patients will wear their assigned brace three times a day for 12 minutes over a 12-week period. The study will also monitor wound healing and collect various demographic and clinical data to assess outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce chronic pain and improve recovery for patients after spinal surgery.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of laser therapy for pain management is gaining interest, this specific application post-spinal surgery is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Subject will have undergone minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery or spinal decompression surgery in their lower back L1-S1. * Have low back pain of \>3 months and a pain threshold of \> 4 (as described by the the subject), age \> 18 years, and English speaking to eliminate possible miscommunication and consequent human error regarding belt use. * Subject must have had surgery at minimum to 1 year prior to start of study and no more than 5 years prior to start to study Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with tumors * Current infection * Drug misuse history * Skin conditions preclude the use of laser belt * Severe spondylolisthesis, spondylolysis, spinal stenosis, ankylosing spondylitis * Previous low back surgery exceeding 5 years to initial start date.
Where it's running
-
Semel Institute of Neuroscience at UCLA
Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting -
UCLA Clinical and Translational Research Center
Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Daniel Lu, Md, PhD
- Email: DCLu@mednet.ucla.edu
- Phone: 310-267-2975
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.