RecruitingNot Applicable

High-intensity Laser Therapy for Neck Pain

Chile72 participantsStarted 2024-03-31

Plain-language 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).

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

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.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Pain pressure thereshold (PPT)

Timeframe: Baseline, 4 weeks (8 sessions) and 12 weeks (follow-up)

Pain intensity at rest (RPI)

Timeframe: Baseline, 4 weeks (8 sessions) and 12 weeks (follow-up)

Pain intensity at movement (MPI)

Timeframe: Baseline and 4 weeks (8 sessions)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05689788

SponsorQuiropraxia y Equilibrio

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2024-05-30

Contact for this trial

Hernán A de la Barra Ortiz, MSc

56984706322 hdelabarra@unab.cl

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain trials