Efficacy of Low-Dose Laser Acupuncture for Low Back Pain

Effect of Low-Dose Laser Acupuncture on Low Back Pain: A Randomised Control Trial

This study will evaluate whether low-dose laser acupuncture can reduce pain and improve daily function in adults with chronic low back pain. The trial is a double-blinded, randomized, two-arm, parallel, multi-centred study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Low back pain for ≥12 weeks
• Pain intensity VAS ≥3 cm at Visit 1 (baseline)
• Age 18-65 years
• Able and willing to provide written informed consent
• Able and willing to attend treatment sessions at Pusat Sejahtera, Universiti Sains Malaysia and complete the 3-month follow-up phone assessment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant or planning pregnancy; females unwilling to use pregnancy prevention during the study
• Current or past history of trauma or cancer
• Prior spine surgery
• Severe infection (e.g., tuberculosis, pyogenic abscess)
• Fever ≥38°C lasting ≥48 hours at recruitment
• Cauda equina syndrome
• Significant spinal cord compression with serious disability (per medical history)
• Osteoporosis requiring pharmacologic treatment
• Severe dementia, cognitive impairment, other major cerebral disease, or severe psychiatric/psychological disorder
• Significant renal or hepatic disease
• BMI ≥34.9 kg/m²
• History of recreational drug abuse
• Use of systemic steroids within the past 6 months
• Use of any analgesics (including paracetamol) within the past 30 days
• Acupuncture treatment within the past 30 days