Can intractable discogenic back pain be managed by low-level laser therapy without recourse to operative intervention?

Report on the long-term (5-year) prospective follow-up of 50 unselected patients with discogenic back pain confirmed by MRI. Laser therapy (810 nm, 5.4 J per point, 20 mW/cm2) treatments regimen consisting of 3 x /week for 12 weeks. All but one patient improved in Ostwestry Disability Index score and improvement was maintained to 1 year and 5 year follow up.