Post-Spinal Surgery: Can Venous Laser Therapy Restore Nerve Function?

Postoperative spinal venous laser treatment

Hello, Director Wang! I am a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who underwent surgery for L4-L5 lumbar spondylolisthesis (and had a second surgery due to recurrence).
It has been over 10 months since the surgery, and I still cannot lift my right foot due to stiffness.
I have a few questions:
1.
Given that it has been so long after the surgery and my lower extremities are still weak, is there a possibility that the nerves cannot be repaired anymore?
2.
Is venous laser therapy effective in repairing nerve damage after surgery? Typically, one treatment course consists of 10 sessions, and is it usually recommended to undergo 3 treatment courses? How many courses are needed to see results?
3.
Are there any cases where patients with post-spinal surgery foot weakness have shown improvement after receiving venous laser therapy?
4.
I have rheumatoid arthritis with an overactive immune response attacking my joints, but I noticed that venous laser therapy is mentioned to potentially "enhance the immune system." Would this therapy be suitable for me?

A-Qin, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/08/21

Dr. Wang Zhaomin reply Rehabilitation

Nerve repair takes a considerable amount of time, but if it exceeds ten months, the prognosis may be less favorable.
Intravenous laser therapy can enhance the body's repair functions, but its efficacy varies.
Literature has reported that intravenous laser therapy can improve the motor performance of patients with neurological disorders, but the treatment effects still differ from person to person and cannot be generalized.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can undergo intravenous laser therapy, typically receiving three treatment sessions, but there is no guarantee of specific effects for any individual.

Reply Date: 2023/08/21

More Info

Post-spinal surgery recovery can be a complex process, especially when nerve function is involved. Your situation, involving L4-L5 spondylolisthesis and subsequent surgery, raises several important questions regarding nerve recovery and the potential role of venous laser therapy.

1. Nerve Recovery After Surgery: After spinal surgery, particularly when nerves have been compromised, recovery can take time. Generally, nerve healing is a gradual process, and while some patients may experience significant improvement within months, others may take longer. If it has been over ten months since your surgery and you are still experiencing weakness in your right leg, it is possible that the nerve damage may be more significant than initially thought. However, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend imaging studies or nerve conduction studies to assess the extent of nerve recovery.

2. Effectiveness of Venous Laser Therapy: Venous laser therapy, often referred to as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), has been studied for its potential to enhance tissue healing and reduce pain. Some literature suggests that LLLT may improve nerve function and promote healing in certain conditions. However, the effectiveness can vary widely among individuals. While some patients report improvements in symptoms after a series of treatments, others may not experience significant changes. Typically, a course of treatment may involve multiple sessions, often around 10, and some practitioners recommend repeating this course if improvements are noted. However, it is crucial to have realistic expectations and understand that results can differ based on individual circumstances.

3. Case Studies and Evidence: There are anecdotal reports and some studies indicating that patients with post-surgical nerve issues have experienced improvements after undergoing laser therapy. However, the evidence is not universally conclusive, and more research is needed to establish standardized protocols and outcomes. It is advisable to discuss with your healthcare provider any specific studies or cases that may relate to your condition.

4. Rheumatoid Arthritis Considerations: Given your history of rheumatoid arthritis, it is essential to consider how this condition may interact with any treatment you pursue. While some studies suggest that laser therapy can have immunomodulatory effects, enhancing the immune response, it is crucial to approach this cautiously. Patients with autoimmune conditions may have different responses to therapies, and what works for one individual may not be suitable for another. Consulting with a rheumatologist or a specialist familiar with both your arthritis and the proposed therapy can provide valuable insights into whether venous laser therapy is appropriate for you.

In summary, while venous laser therapy may offer some potential benefits for nerve recovery post-surgery, individual results can vary significantly. It is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare team, who can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific medical history and current condition. Additionally, exploring comprehensive rehabilitation strategies, including physical therapy and possibly other modalities, may further support your recovery journey.

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