Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a painful disease which presents with pain, paresthesias, numbness and tingling. Conservative therapy by using wrist-hand splint is one of the suitable and current remedies. Low-level laser has also been noted very much recently. This syndrome is seen recurrently in patients with spinal cord injury, due to excessive use of their wrists. Methods: A number of 21 CTS cases in veteran wheelchair users were included in this study in 2004. They were divided randomly in two control and case groups. Both groups had wrist-hand splints. Low-level laser was given to the case group on volar surface of the carpal tunnel, in ten sessions, every other day. Sham laser was given to the control group in the same number of sessions. Results: Although both low-level laser and conservative therapy were effective in improving symptoms of CTS, low-level laser was more effective in improving paresthesia (P=0.005) and nocturnal pain (P=0.018). Low level laser was not significantly associated with pain reduction. Also it was more effective in improving Falen (P=0.016) and Tinel signs (P=0.031). Conclusion: Low-level laser can be used for treatment of CTS in spinal cord injured patients as an effective and harmless method.

Keywords: Carpal tunnel syndrome, median nerve, laser therapy, spinal cord injury, paraplegia

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