Systematic review of the literature of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the management of neck pain

Abstract

This review provides limited evidence from one RCT for the use of infrared laser for the treatment of acute neck pain (n = 71) and chronic neck pain from four RCTs (n = 202). Larger studies are required to confirm the positive findings and determine the most effective laser parameters, sites and modes of application.

Low‐level light stimulates excisional wound healing in mice

“…Many negative studies have also been published further confounding the issue [3]. Nevertheless, the use of coherent-light sources (lasers) or non-coherent light sources (light-emitting diodes, LEDs) has become widespread by physical therapists [4] dentists [5], and practitioners of sports medicine [6]. In 2002, 510K FDA clearance was issued for an 830-nm diode laser for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.…”

High power laser therapy treatment compared to simple segmental physical rehabilitation in whiplash injuries (1� and 2� grade of the Quebec Task Force classification) involving muscles and ligaments

“…As a matter of fact when a laser ray, with a wave length between 600 and 1300 nm, hits a biological tissue, it produces a pho- tochemical effect called "photo modulation" [33][34][35][36] . Later was proved that basically all this is due to important cell modifications such as a mytocondrial stimulation with an increasing production of ATP and activation of microcirculation, peristalsis activation, analgesic effects due to hyperpolarization of the nerve decreasing excitability of algoreceptors.…”

Non-Thermal, Non-Ablative CO2 Laser Therapy (NACLT): A New Approach to Relieve Pain in Some Painful Oral Diseases

“…This level of evidence relates to chronic neck pain (Chow and Barnsley 2005), tendinitis (Bjordal, Couppe et al 2001), chronic joint disorders (Bjordal, Couppe et al 2003), and chronic pain (Enwemeka, Parker et al 2004) . Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) provide level II evidence for the efficacy of laser therapy in chronic low back pain (Umegaki, Tanaka et al 1989;Soriano and Rios 1998;Basford, Sheffield et al 1999) .…”

“…Vet et al 1998), the evidence is equivocal. Such variability in outcomes may be due to the multiplicity of parameters used, including wavelengths, energy, and power densities, with differing frequencies of application (Chow and Barnsley 2005)." (Chow, David et al 2007)…”