Clinical Effectiveness of High-Intensity Laser Therapy in Patients With Cervical Radiculopathy:

Last updated: September 22, 2022
Sponsor: Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

Neck Pain

Radiculopathy

Chronic Pain

Treatment

N/A

Clinical Study ID

NCT04734977
NEHILT2021
  • Ages 20-65
  • All Genders

Study Summary

This investigation aims to investigate the effect of high intensity laser therapy on radicular symptoms, neuropathic pain, cervical range of motion and quality of life in patients with cervical radiculopathy compared to cervical therapeutic exercises.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria: Eligible patients aged 20-65 years old with pain in the cervical spineand arm pain with or without neck pain lasting for at least one month. Patients wereincluded in the study

  1. radicular clinical symptoms
  2. cervical disc herniation and degenerative changes diagnosed with cervical MR
  3. radiculopathy findings on Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Pregnancy
  2. Inflammatory rheumatologic diseases
  3. Malignity
  4. Structural deformity
  5. Previous surgery related to the cervical spine
  6. Cervical spinal stenosis
  7. Lokal corticosteroid injections
  8. Medications for neuropathic pain such as pregabalin or gabapentin
  9. Carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome
  10. Shoulder pathology

Study Design

Total Participants: 90
Study Start date:
January 01, 2021
Estimated Completion Date:
September 22, 2022

Study Description

Most cases of cervical radiculopathy are due to cervical spondylosis or disc herniation. As the age progresses, disintegration of the disc causes a decrease in disc height and foraminal narrowing. The decreased disc height then results in hypertrophy due to vertebral loading in the intervertebral joints of Luschka. This leads to foraminal stenosis and cervical radiculopathy.If cervical radiculopathy is due to disc herniation, its mechanism is explained by the impact of the nerve root with the disc material and causing nerve damage by both mechanical and chemical effects.Non-operative treatment of cervical radiculopathy consists of a number of different modalities including immobilization, physical therapy, traction, manipulation,drug therapy, cervical steroid injection and laser therapy.The physiological effects of high intensity laser therapy(HILT) reduce the release of histamine and bradykinin from inflammatory tissue and increase the pain threshold. In addition, laser light reduces the secretion of substance P from peripheral nociceptors, thereby reducing the perception of pain and preventing the development of hyperalgesia. The laser analgesic effect is due to the increased secretion of endogenous opioids such as β-endorphins, where pain is centrally inhibited.

This investigation was designed double-blind prospective sham controlled randomized study. Participants were randomized into 3 groups: HILT + therapeutic exercise, sham HILT + therapeutic exercise, and only therapeutic exercise.

As evaluation parameters, cervical range of motion, Visual Pain Scale (VAS) Neck, Visual Pain Scale (VAS) Arm, SF (Short form) -36 Quality of Life Scale, Pain Detect Pain questionnaire, Cervical Radiculopathy Impact Scale ) will be evaluated with.It was planned that the evaluations were made and recorded by a blinded physician to the groups at the beginning of the treatment, at the end of the treatment and at the 3rd month controls.

.

Connect with a study center

  • AFYON

    Afyon, 03200
    Turkey

    Site Not Available

Map preview placeholder

Not the study for you?

Let us help you find the best match. Sign up as a volunteer and receive email notifications when clinical trials are posted in the medical category of interest to you.