This study aimed to compare the short-term efficacy of splinting (S) and splinting plus low-level laser therapy (SLLLT) in mild or moderate idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) with a prospective, randomized controlled study. The patients with unilateral, mild, or moderate idiopathic CTS who experienced symptoms over 3 months were included in the study. The SLLLT group received ten sessions of laser therapy and splinting while S group was given only splints. The patients were evaluated at the baseline and after 3 months of the treatment. Follow-up parameters were nerve conduction study (NCS), Boston Questionnaire (BQ), grip strength, and clinical response criteria. Forty-five patients with CTS completed the study. Twenty-four patients were in S and 21 patients were in SLLLT group. In the third-month control, SLLLT group had significant improvements on both clinical and NCS parameters (median motor nerve distal latency, median sensory nerve conduction velocities, BQ symptom severity scale, and BQ functional capacity scale) while S group had only symptomatic healing (BQ symptom severity scale). The grip strength of splinting group was decreased significantly. According to clinical response criteria, in SLLLT group, five (23.8%) patients had full and 12 (57.1%) had partial recovery; four (19%) patients had no change or worsened. In S group, one patient (4.2%) had full and 17 (70.8%) partial recovery; six (25%) patients had no change or worsened. Additionally, applied laser therapy provided better outcomes on NCS but not in clinical parameters in patients with CTS.
Objective: To determine the incidence of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and to compare the characteristics of patients with only CLBP and patients with CLBP and FMS.
Materials and Methods: Fifty five patients with CLBP were enrolled to the study. The low back pain was assessed with Visual Analog Scale (VAS), emotional, social and physical health conditions were assessed with Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), general health condition was assessed with Health Assessment Questionnare (HAQ) and severity of depression was assessed with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).
Results: The diagnosis of FMS was estabilished in 15 of 55 (27.3%) patients with CLBP according to American College of Rheumatology criteria. VAS and HAQ scores were higher (p=0.014 and p=0.017 respectively), energy level of NHP was lower (p=0.009) in patients with FMS when they were compared to patients with only CLBP. There were not any significant differences in BDI between groups.
Conclusion: The VAS scores of patients with CLBP and FMS were higher and energy levels of this group were lower. These results should be considered while making treatment programs. (Turk J Rheumatol 2010; 25: 37-40)
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