RESUMO
The authors report their experience in the application of laser therapy using 904 nm laser irradiation and impulse power of 10 W on patients with vertebrogenic lumboradiculalgia (osteochondrosis and herniation of the intervertebral disk). The therapeutic effect of the PROMETEUS type laser system is compared to that of similar equipment reported in literature. Pain was usually relieved between days five and 10 of laser therapy, or, in cases of slower convalescence, by day 15. Clinical symptoms of the disorders also disappeared simultaneously with the alleviation of pain. Our results are similar to those obtained by A.S. Krjuk (1986) and S. Gatev (1985), better than those of Van Lyancin (1988) and worse than those of D. Milani (1987). Laser therapy produces no side effects. It is an important contribution to the armamentarium of modern physiotherapeutic methods. When it is administered properly, it is painless, aseptic and does not cause trauma or allergic reactions. Moreover, it reduces the usage of drugs and consumable materials.