The Efficacy of Cold Laser Therapy in Treating Chronic Neck Pain: Research Evidence and Clinical Implications

Chronic neck pain is a prevalent issue affecting a large portion of the population, often leading to significant discomfort and a decrease in quality-of-life.  

With traditional treatments not always providing substantial relief, the exploration of alternative therapies has become paramount. One such promising therapy is Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), commonly known as cold laser therapy.

Below, we will take a look at the research evidence supporting the use of cold laser therapy for chronic neck pain. We will also discuss the effectiveness, benefits, and implications of implementing this therapy in clinical practice.

What is Cold Laser Therapy?

Cold laser therapy utilises low-intensity lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to relieve pain or to stimulate and enhance cell function.

Unlike surgical lasers that are used for cutting or ablating tissue, cold lasers are applied to the skin’s surface. The light energy is absorbed by the cells, which then convert it into chemical energy.

This process is believed to reduce pain and inflammation, accelerate healing of damaged tissues, relax muscles, and stimulate nerve regeneration.

Treating Chronic Neck Pain with Cold Laser Therapy

Chronic neck pain is a prevalent condition affecting a significant portion of the population at any given time. Despite its commonality, finding effective treatments can be challenging.

Cold laser therapy, or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), has emerged as a promising treatment option. By delivering specific wavelengths of light, typically in the 300 mW, 830 nm range, directly to the affected area, cold laser therapy aims to reduce pain and inflammation, and promote tissue healing.

Efficacy of Cold Laser Therapy

Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of LLLT in managing chronic neck pain. For example, a study by Chow et al. (2006) showed that LLLT significantly reduced chronic neck pain.

In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 90 subjects, participants received 14 treatments over seven weeks. The study found that those in the active treatment group experienced a significant reduction in pain, as evidenced by a 2.7 point improvement in their Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores compared to a 0.3 point worsening in the control group.

Additionally, significant improvements were noted in the treated group for various quality-of-life and pain-related questionnaires, indicating the broad benefits of LLLT in managing chronic neck pain.

Physiological Basis for Pain Relief

The physiological mechanisms underlying the pain relief provided by cold laser therapy involve changes in the body's biochemical environment.

For instance, research by Laakso et al. (2004) reported changes in plasma ACTH and beta-endorphin levels following LLLT treatment, suggesting that the therapy may help modulate pain pathways and reduce inflammation at a molecular level. These biochemical changes help to alleviate pain and improve function in patients suffering from chronic neck pain.

Clinical Application and Patient Outcomes

The clinical application of LLLT in managing neck pain extends beyond just pain relief. It also includes improvements in daily functioning and quality of life.

The study by Chow et al. (2006) demonstrated this, showing notable improvements in patients' quality of life measured by the Short-Form 36 Quality-of-Life questionnaire (SF-36) and other neck pain-specific scales.

These improvements are critical as they indicate that patients not only experience less pain but also regain their ability to perform daily activities more efficiently.

Implications for Chiropractic Practice

Cold laser therapy offers a compelling treatment approach for chronic neck pain. Its ability to reduce pain, improve functional outcomes, and enhance quality of life makes it a valuable addition to the therapeutic options available to patients.

With substantial evidence from multiple studies supporting its efficacy, cold laser therapy stands out as an effective treatment modality that can bring significant relief to those suffering from chronic neck pain.

As research in this area continues to evolve, it is likely that the role of LLLT in pain management will become increasingly prominent, providing hope and improved outcomes for patients worldwide.

Benefits for Chiropractic Practice

For chiropractors, these findings are highly encouraging. They suggest that cold laser therapy can be a safe, convenient, and effective treatment option for chronic neck pain.

Adoption of cold laser therapy could also reduce the reliance on medications and other treatments that may have undesirable side effects. This aligns with the chiropractic philosophy of natural and non-invasive care.

Key Advantages

㘀 Non-invasive Treatment: Provides a gentle and natural approach that aligns with chiropractic principles.

㘀 Pain Reduction: Effectively alleviates chronic neck pain, as evidenced by numerous studies.

㘀 Improved Functional Outcomes: Enhances patient mobility and overall function.

㘀 Enhanced Quality of Life: Contributes to better daily living and well-being for patients.

㘀 Reduced Reliance on Medications: Offers an alternative that minimizes the need for drugs, thus avoiding potential side effects.

㘀 Complementary Modality: Can be used alongside other chiropractic techniques for comprehensive care.

Conclusion

Integrating cold laser therapy into chiropractic practice not only broadens the scope of care chiropractors can provide but also aligns with the fundamental principles of promoting natural healing and reducing dependency on medications.

As more evidence continues to support its effectiveness, cold laser therapy is poised to become an invaluable tool in the management of chronic neck pain.

References

1. Chow, R. T., Heller, G. Z., & Barnsley, L. (2006). The effect of 300 mW, 830 nm laser on chronic neck pain: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Pain, 124(1), 201–210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2006.05.018

2. Laakso, E. L., Cramond, T., Richardson, C., & Galligan, J. P. (2004). PLASMA ACTH AND Β-ENDORPHIN LEVELS IN RESPONSE TO LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY (LLLT) FOR MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINTS. LASER THERAPY, 14(0_Pilot_Issue_2), 0_45-0_53. https://doi.org/10.5978/islsm.14.0_45