Evaluating the effectiveness of low level laser and cupping on low back pain by checking the plasma cortisol level

Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is effective in a lot of clinical treatments, but the photobiological basis of this therapy is not well understood. From our previous study, the effectiveness of laser acupuncture (LA) and cupping applied on low back pain (LBP) has been proved. However, the variation of the plasma cortisol level is unknown. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of LA and cupping on LBP by checking the plasma cortisol level. Fifty patients of either sex over 60 years old with LBP were recruited into a single blinded trial. Active group (LA plus soft cupping) and placebo group (sham LA plus soft cupping) were treated for five days. Laser, 40mW, wavelength 808nm, pulse rate 20Hz, was used to irradiate Weizhong (BL40) and Ashi acupoints for 10 minutes. The variation of VAS was recorded and blood samples were taken for the measurement of plasma cortisol levels. There was a significant fall in plasma cortisol in active group (p = 0.013) and placebo group (p = 0.039) after five days' treatment. This result showed that for the people with chronic LBP there is a beneficial effect if they continuously receive the treatment for five days. However, the combination of LA and cupping seems to quickly reduce the inflammation situation than placebo group did.