Effectiveness of laser therapy in patients with cervical pain syndrome: a study in a rehabilitation service, Matanzas
Keywords:
Neck Pain, Laser Therapy, Cryotherapy, Acute Pain, Rehabilitation, IbuprofenAbstract
Introduction: cervical pain syndrome is a common reason for consultation and is considered one of the most common spinal pain conditions. The use of low-level lasers in the treatment of spinal disorders is poorly understood.
Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of laser therapy in patients with cervical pain syndrome in a rehabilitation service in Matanzas.
Methods: an experimental, longitudinal, and prospective study 38 patients were randomly divided into two groups: one received laser therapy + cryotherapy and the other NSAIDs + cryotherapy. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Likert scale, and functional disability was measured using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) at the beginning and end of treatment.
Results: Laser therapy significantly outperformed NSAIDs 52,4 % of patients were pain-free (vs. 17,7 % with NSAIDs) and showed significantly greater functional improvement (33,3 % without disability vs. 5,9 %). Its overall effectiveness was 76,2 % and required fewer treatment sessions. The main risk factors were poor postural habits (84,2 %) and physical inactivity (76,3 %).
Conclusions: Laser therapy combined with cryotherapy was shown to be more effective and faster than treatment with NSAIDs and cryotherapy in relieving pain and improving functionality in patients with acute and subacute neck pain, positioning it as a superior therapeutic alternative.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Laura María Herrera-Fraga , Jayne Bárbara Peñate-Brito , Gladys García-Peñate , Narciso Feliciano Martínez-Díaz , Idalia Teresita Hernández-Hervis , Miriela Diago-Rodríguez
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