Can You Trust Laser Therapy for Neck Pain Relief?

Neck pain can be stubborn, and you may need options beyond the usual hot packs and over-the-counter meds to find long-lasting relief. Laser therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that works with the body’s natural healing capacity, reducing pain and inflammation. While it doesn’t replace traditional care like physiotherapy or exercises, laser therapy complements them in the treatment of neck pain. This blog discusses how low-level laser light therapy affects neck pain and whether it is an effective treatment option.  

How Laser Therapy Exactly Works on Neck Pain?

Laser therapy works through a process known as photo modulation (PBM).  

Think of it like photosynthesis, the process by which plants absorb sunlight to grow. Similarly, our body cells can absorb specific wavelengths of light (delivered by the laser therapy device) to kickstart healing.  

The laser therapist uses a laser device that delivers light in a concentrated, therapeutic form. They focus the laser light on affected areas (neck in this case). The light penetrates the skin and reaches your muscles and tissues in the neck region. Tiny powerhouses (mitochondria) in the cell tissues absorb light to produce more energy (ATP). The cells use this ‘extra energy’ to repair damaged tissues, reduce inflammation and speed up the natural healing process of your body.  

In simpler words, the laser light works on neck muscle pain by stimulating the natural recovery capabilities of your body.  

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) vs High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT)

There are two types of laser therapy treatments for neck pain. Your therapist prescribes the right one after examining your symptoms and individual health needs. They serve the same purpose: to bring you relief, but work in different ways.  

LLLT (Cold Laser Therapy)

LLLT involves a non-invasive, low-intensity light generated by the laser device. This technique emits no sound, heat, or vibration, as it generates a single wavelength of light.  

Low-level laser light has been proven to be effective in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders. A meta-analysis of 7 RCTs (394 participants) found LLLT significantly reduced pain (WMD –13.6 on VAS) compared to placebo, though no functional gains were seen. Another study showed moderate-quality evidence of short-term pain relief (MD –2.3), but no functional improvement.   

HILT (High-Intensity Laser Therapy)

HILT involves a high-power light (output power greater than 500 mW or 0.5 Watts) generated by the laser device. The higher power density of this laser light can cause the skin surface to heat up, unlike ‘cold laser therapy’. According to a study, high-laser therapy can reduce back and neck pain significantly, improving pain and movement problems.  

The laser therapist or physiotherapist can determine the right type of laser treatment based on your condition and health needs. While low-level laser therapy is effective in treating most neck pain conditions, high-level laser is still used for deep-seated neck pain involving discs and nerve roots. 

Does Laser Therapy Relieve Neck Pain & Inflammation? 

Clinical trials and systematic reviews highlight the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in managing both acute and chronic neck pain. In a study across 820 participants, LLLT has proven to improve pain outcomes and disability with effects lasting up to 6 months. A landmark 2009 meta-analysis published in The Lancet reviewed 16 randomized controlled trials and found that LLLT significantly reduced pain in patients with acute and chronic neck pain. The pain relief was not only immediate but also sustained—lasting up to 22 weeks—with minimal side effects. 

A 2022 meta-analysis focusing on chronic myofascial neck pain found that LLLT improved pain scores, range of motion, and pressure pain thresholds. While disability improvements were less consistent, patients still reported meaningful relief. Similarly, a 2022 clinical trial using 980 nm wavelength showed significant pain reduction after 12 sessions, further supporting its use in chronic, non-specific neck pain. 

Other systematic reviews, including Cochrane-style evaluations, provide moderate evidence that LLLT improves quality of life and reduces disability in chronic neck pain sufferers. The therapy is typically delivered using wavelengths between 780–980 nm, with energy doses around 2–16 J/cm² over 8–15 sessions.  

What Are the Effects of Laser Therapy on Neck Pain? 

The laser light, when applied to the affected areas, stimulates cellular repair, reduces inflammation and improves tissue oxygenation. It results in quicker pain reduction without the side effects of medications.  

Here are the biological effects of low-level laser on neck pain: 

Improved range of motion– LLLT reduces muscle tightness and inflammation, restoring natural mobility, especially in cases involving stiff neck, whiplash or cervical myofascial pain.  

Reduced muscle spasm & tension– LLLT has been shown to relax tense muscles and calm overactive nerve signals, particularly helpful for pain that stems from stress.  

Better pain management- Laser therapy reduces neck pain and inflammation, eliminating the need for pain meds over time.  

Quick healing of soft tissues- Laser light speeds up cellular repair and healing of soft tissue injuries in the neck.  

Lasting effects- Laser treatment, when combined with physiotherapy or chiropractic care, can deliver long-lasting results.  

Overall, laser therapy is a safe, non-invasive neck pain treatment option. It is highly popular in physiotherapy clinics because it aligns well with conservative care strategies used in physiotherapy and rehab settings. It not only offers effective pain relief but may also reduce the need for medications over time. 

Is Laser Therapy for Neck Pain Safe?

Yes, laser treatment is generally safe for treating neck pain and inflammation. It is non-invasive and also drug-free, thereby promoting holistic healing without the influence of medications and their side effects. Minor side effects are common and temporary, like fatigue or headache. Devices operating within established parameters (905–980 nm, ~2–16 J/cm²) are considered safe for therapeutic use, with no reported long-term harm. 

Any Potential Side Effects of Laser Treatment? 

Laser therapy is safe, generally. But you should still be aware of the potential risks and side effects associated with laser therapy for neck pain. The mild side effects include temporary redness or irritation of the skin at the application site, or the previously mentioned temporary increase in discomfort as part of the body’s healing response.  

What to Expect from Your Laser Therapy Sessions for Neck Pain Treatment? 

Laser therapy is often used with other complementary therapies like physiotherapy, chiropractic care or massage therapy to treat conditions like neck pain. The first session is a detailed assessment with a qualified laser therapist who takes the time to understand the root cause of your pain.  

For neck pain, the therapist determines the cause, whether it’s due to posture, injury, muscle strain or a chronic condition. They conduct a thorough evaluation to let you know if laser therapy is the right approach for you to manage your neck pain.  

During Treatment Sessions 

Typically, laser therapy sessions last 5 to 15 minutes. The procedure is painless and non-invasive. The therapist applies the laser light to the neck areas that are painful or swollen. This results in faster healing at a cellular level.  

Consistent sessions with your laser therapist gradually reduce inflammation, improve tissue repair and relieve pain. The number of sessions you need depends on how severe your symptoms are.  

When to See a Laser Therapist for Neck Pain? 

Neck pain can be temporary. For example, you may wake up one day and experience a sharp pain in the neck along with immobility due to poor sleep posture. These symptoms go away in a few hours or days. Alternative applications of heat and ice packs on the painful area can bring relief.  

However, you should see a professional, be it a laser therapist, physiotherapist or a medical doctor for your neck if you can relate to the following.  

Your neck pain lasts longer than a few days, even with rest, heat, or basic stretching.

You’ve tried pain medications or physical therapy, but the results haven’t been consistent.

The pain is affecting your posture, sleep, or ability to work comfortably.
You’re experiencing muscle tightness, stiffness, or limited neck mobility that keeps coming back.

You’re looking for a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option with minimal risk and no downtime.

Laser therapy can be especially helpful for conditions like cervical muscle strain, postural neck pain, whiplash injuries, myofascial trigger points, or chronic inflammation in the neck region. A licensed practitioner can assess your symptoms and determine whether laser therapy fits into your recovery plan. You can find professional laser therapists at Brampton physiotherapy clinics like Physiotherapy First. They are trained professionals who assess your symptoms and guide you through the entire laser treatment journey for neck pain management.