Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has potential for effective treatment in patients with acute and chronic neck pain.
More than two-thirds of migraine patients complain of neck pain during their attacks. An article published in The Lancet studied 16 controlled trials including a total of 820 patients with acute and chronic neck pain. When treated with low-level laser therapy, there was a significant reduction in pain intensity immediately after treatment in acute neck pain and up to 22 weeks after completion of treatment. Side effects from LLLT are mild and no different from those of placebo.
LLLT is a treatment option for many patients including those with migraine, tension-type headache, and neck-related headache. Additional research is warranted as the mechanism behind laser therapy action remains unknown, however many drugs that are prescribed every day for neck pain and headache disorders have unclear mechanisms of action, sometimes with significant side effects. Low-level laser therapy is an inexpensive option for patients and should be considered as an option for pain relief .