High-intensity laser therapy for chronic neck pain
Effect of High-intensity Laser Therapy in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain. Randomized Clinical Trial
This study is testing if high-intensity laser therapy can help people with chronic neck pain feel better compared to a fake treatment over four weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Quiropraxia y Equilibrio Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Santiago, Las Condes and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05689788 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) in reducing pain intensity in patients suffering from chronic nonspecific neck pain. Participants, including students and employees of Andrés Bello University, will be randomly assigned to receive either HILT combined with stretching exercises or a sham treatment. The study aims to determine if HILT can provide significant pain relief compared to a control group over a treatment period of four weeks. The trial will utilize a randomized clinical trial design to ensure robust results.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older experiencing chronic nonspecific neck pain for at least three months.
Not a fit: Patients with recent neck or shoulder injuries, or those using certain medications that affect pain perception, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a non-invasive option for patients suffering from chronic neck pain, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While there are few studies on high-intensity laser therapy for neck pain, existing research suggests potential benefits, indicating this approach may be promising but not yet fully validated.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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.
Where this trial is running
Santiago, Las Condes and 1 other locations
- Universidad Andrés Bello — Santiago, Las Condes, Chile (Recruiting)
- Hernán Andrés de la Barra — Santiago, Chile (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Hernán de la Barra Ortiz, MSc — Universidad Nacional Andres Bello
- Study coordinator: Hernán A de la Barra Ortiz, MSc
- Email: hdelabarra@unab.cl
- Phone: 56984706322
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.