Acute neck pain with radiculopathy is one of the most common conditions in that region. The causes of the compression of the nerves are stenosis secondary to spondyloarthritis or discopathy which can develop inflammation or even nerve damage causing pain
Introduction
Acute neck pain with radiculopathy is one of the most common conditions in that region. The causes of the compression of the nerves are stenosis secondary to spondyloarthritis or discopathy which can develop inflammation or even nerve damage causing pain. Lots of researches proved analgesic, anti-inflammatory and regenerative influence of LLLT. Those effects seem to be crucial in treatment of patients with radicular pain.
Purpose of the study
The purpose of the study was evaluation of LLLT in patients with acute neck pain with radiculopathy
Study description
The study was published in Pain Medicine in 2010. Original title: “Low-Level Laser Therapy for Acute Neck Pain with Radiculopathy: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomized Study”
The study covered 60 patients with acute neck pain with unilateral radiculopathy radiating to the neck or arm, diagnosed on basis of MRI, EMG and provocative tests and neurophysiological examination. The research was designed as double-blind placebo study. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups. Experimental group received 15 treatments of LLLT of power output of 25 mW, 5 times a week with parameters as follows: wavelength 905 nm, pulse frequency 5,000 Hz, dose 2 J/cm2 (6 points on the level of involved segments and 2 distal below and above). Placebo LLLT was applied by the same manner with sham unit with the same treatment time. After the experiment significant radiating pain reduction, increase of neck flexion and extension and improvement of quality of life was observed. All measurements were statistically significant comparing to control group.
| Change in pain level | Study group (n=30) | Placebo group (n=30) |
| Change in pain level in arm | ||
| Much improved | 18/30 | 6/30 |
| Change in pain level in neck | ||
| Much improved | 9/30 | 0/30 |
Conclusions
The use of LLLT of 2 J/cm2 as monotherapy influenced significantly on pain reduction, neck mobility and increase of quality of life in patients with acute neck pain with radiculopathy.
