Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

This systematic review update evaluated low level laser therapy (LLLT) for adults with neck pain.

METHODS:

Computerized searches (root up to Feb 2012) included pain, function/disability, quality of life (QoL) and global perceived effect (GPE). GRADE, effect-sizes, heterogeneity and meta-regression were assessed.

RESULTS:

Of 17 trials, 10 demonstrated high risk of bias. For chronic neck pain, there was moderate quality evidence (2 trials, 109 participants) supporting LLLT over placebo to improve pain/disability/QoL/GPE up to intermediate-term (IT). For acute radiculopathy, cervical osteoarthritis or acute neck pain, low quality evidence suggested LLLT improves ST pain/function/QoL over a placebo. For chronic myofascial neck pain (5 trials, 188 participants), evidence was conflicting; a meta-regression of heterogeneous trials suggests super-pulsed LLLT increases the chance of a successful pain outcome.

CONCLUSIONS:

We found diverse evidence using LLLT for neck pain. LLLT may be beneficial for chronic neck pain/function/QoL. Larger long-term dosage trials are needed.

• Authors: Anita R Gross, Stephanie Dziengo, Olga Boers, Charlie H Goldsmith, Nadine Graham, Lothar Lilge, Stephen Burnie, Roger White
• Journal: The open orthopaedics journal (Open Orthop J) Vol. 7 Pg. 396-419 ( 2013) ISSN: 1874-3250 [Print] United Arab Emirates
• PMID: 24155802 (Publication Type: Journal Article)