Remember that time you turned your head a little too quickly, and it ended up hurting unless you kept it in a certain position? It seemed your neck stayed that way for a week. Or when you fell asleep in the car on the way to your best friend’s wedding and every photo of you at the reception had you tilting your head to the left? What about the time you went camping and you left your pillow at home? No matter how it happens, when the outcome is neck pain, expect to have a pretty bad day.
To be fair, your neck has some pretty awesome responsibilities. That’s because the neck actually is part of the spine, serving as a sort of command and communications center for the nerves, bones, muscles, and joints that are directed by the brain. The neck also keeps your head on straight – no easy task!
Whether caused by whiplash, sleeping funny, or an unfortunately timed glance, neck pain can be both inconvenient and painful. In many cases, heat and rest can get you back on track. But sometimes a more advanced therapy may be required, and that’s where low-level laser therapy comes in.
What is Laser Therapy
Low-level laser therapy is an FDA-approved non-invasive form of regenerative medicine that works by placing a light beam on the injured area in an effort to affect cellular metabolism, wound healing, protein synthesis, and immune response. By stimulating cellular mitochondria, the low-level laser initiates a low-grade inflammatory response that then stimulates the body to improve blood circulation for the thickened fascia. This promotes healing by causing the immune system to jump in and turn on the inflammatory cascade, starting the repair process.
According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, in cases of chronic neck pain, low-level laser therapy can provide relief from pain for 2-6 months after the completion of treatment with no reported serious complications or side effects. Patients who are treated with low-level laser therapy find it convenient, non-intrusive, and highly effective.
If you have chronic or sudden neck pain, it’s best to seek medical attention, especially if that pain is accompanied by tingling, radiating pain, or a numbness or weakness that prevents you from gripping or lifting objects. If you should find yourself needing care, contact Delaware Back Pain & Sports Rehabilitation Centers at (302) 730-8848 or request an appointment online to discuss whether laser or another type of therapy can offer relief for your neck pain or any other pain you might be experiencing.
