High-intensity Laser Therapy for Neck Pain
Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain focused on measuring Lasers, Laser therapy, Chronic pain, Neck pain, Physical Therapy Modalities, Clinical trial
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 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 Criteria: 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.
Sites / Locations
- Universidad Andrés Bello
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Sham Comparator
HILT + stretching exercise
Sham HILT + stretching exercise
High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) will be applied with the 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. Laser therapy will be applied with the participant in the prone position.The treatment will be complemented with passive static stretching for the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and scalene muscles (bilaterally) in three series. 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.
The group will receive a sham treatment of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT). The treatment will be complemented with passive static stretching for the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and scalene muscles (bilaterally) in three series. 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.