Systemic photobiomodulation in nursing professionals with chronic low back pain

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Health Economics
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Chronic low back pain is a prevalent issue causing significant healthcare burdens.
• Photobiomodulation offers a cost-effective, non-pharmacological alternative for pain management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the cost-effectiveness of systemic photobiomodulation for nursing professionals experiencing chronic low back pain.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional analytical study involving 20 nursing professionals with chronic low back pain.
• Ten sessions of systemic photobiomodulation using specific laser parameters (660 nm, 100 mW, 33 J/cm², 30 min) applied to the radial artery.
• Analysis included direct costs (labor, supplies) and indirect costs (equipment, infrastructure).

Main Results:

• The average cost per photobiomodulation session was R$ 25.30.
• Labor costs constituted the largest portion (66%), followed by infrastructure (22%) and supplies (9%).
• Laser equipment represented the smallest cost component (2.8%).

Conclusions:

• Systemic photobiomodulation is an economically viable therapy for chronic low back pain.
• The low cost of laser equipment makes it an attractive option for widespread clinical adoption.