High-intensity Laser Therapy for Neck Pain
Effect of High-intensity Laser Therapy in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain. Randomized Clinical Trial
Quiropraxia y Equilibrio
72 participants
Mar 31, 2024
INTERVENTIONAL
Summary
Chronic nonspecific neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder recognized for its high rates of disability and economic losses, ranking second in musculoskeletal conditions after low back pain. There are several effective physical therapy interventions to treat chronic nonspecific neck pain, such as laser therapy. High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) is a recent treatment proposed to reduce musculoskeletal pain; however, there are few studies that prove its effects in reducing neck pain. The aim of this randomized clinical trial is to evaluate the effect of high-intensity laser therapy on pain intensity in patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain. The research will be carried out in the laboratory of physical agents at the Andrés Bello University, Campus Casona de las Condes. Participants will be employers and volunteer students with non-specific chronic neck pain. Participants will be randomized and allocated into 2 study groups: group 1 (HILT and stretching exercises) and group 2 (simulated HILT and stretching exercises). Treatments will be performed twice a week for 4 weeks with 3 assessments: before treatment, at the end of treatment, and 12 weeks after treatment (follow-up). The main results will be the differences in pain pressure threshold (ΔPPT), intensity of pain at rest (ΔRPI) and intensity of pain on movement (ΔMPI). Secondary outcome measures, on the other hand, will include differences in cervical spine range (ΔCROM) and cervical disability (ΔND).
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria3
- Participants must be at least 18 years old.
- Both sexes (men and women)
- Non-specific, chronic neck pain, defined as pain or discomfort in the cervical region between the superior nuchal line and the spinous process of T1 or the shoulder girdle, with the following criteria: neck pain in the last 3 months or more; a questionnaire score of cervical disability (NDI) equal to or greater than 5; and cervical pain of 3 or greater on the numerical pain scale (NPRS).
Exclusion Criteria10
- Neck or shoulder musculoskeletal injuries in the last 3 months (fractures, sprains, tendinopathies, dislocations, or muscle tears).
- Osteosynthesis materials close to the shoulders, neck, or surrounding areas.
- Wounds or skin changes in the shoulder and/or neck region (such as psoriasis, scars, or burns).
- Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, or muscle relaxant drugs for permanent use.
- Neurological alterations such as paresthesia, loss of sensation (partial or complete), decrease in strength, or color changes in the neck, arms, forearms, or hands.
- Diagnosed photosensitivity.
- Presence of solar urticaria or adverse reactions to sunlight.
- The presence of dermatomyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, hepatic porphyria, cutaneous carcinoid syndrome, or pellagra.
- Cancer or tumors of some type have been diagnosed in the last 5 years.
- Epilepsy.
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Interventions
punctual technique on the 6 bilateral points of the cervical region and shoulder girdle, to be followed by a sweep technique on both trapezius muscles (upper portions). The parameters proposed by Dundar et al. will be used: an average power of 3 W, 60 J per point (360 J), and 500 J for manual scanning (1000 J). For the application of laser therapy, the 12 W BTL-6000 equipment that emits at 1064 nm wavelengths will be used.
Three sets of bilateral passive static stretching will be performed for the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and scalene muscles. Each series will last 30 seconds, followed by a 30-second rest interval. The exercises will be carried out with the participant in a seated position in a chair with a backrest.
Intervention in which the therapist performs a HILT simulation application, performing all of the steps and movements for an administration without actually receiving the treatment.
Locations(2)
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NCT05689788