Class 4 Laser Therapy for Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain in Cervical Spondylosis Patient

Patient Overview

A 32-year-old male IT professional presented with a three-year history of chronic neck and shoulder pain, worsening over the past year. He reported three episodes of cervical spondylosis within the last 12 months, accompanied by persistent hand numbness, restricted head rotation, and upper back discomfort. Prolonged sitting (≥30 minutes) exacerbated his symptoms, significantly impacting his work performance and quality of life.

Diagnostic Findings

• MRI: Revealed C5-C6 and C6-C7 disc herniation with nerve root compression, osteophyte formation, and spinal canal stenosis.
• DR Imaging: Demonstrated loss of cervical lordosis (straightened spine) and mild lateral curvature.
• Physical Examination:
  • Severely restricted cervical rotation & extension
  • Pain VAS score: 7/10 (moderate to severe)
  • Reduced scapular mobility & muscular tightness (trapezius, scapular stabilizers, sternocleidomastoid)

Treatment Protocol: Class 4 Laser Therapy + Manual Therapy + Rehabilitation

To address chronic inflammation, nerve compression, and muscular dysfunction, a multimodal approach was implemented, combining:

1. Class 4 Laser Therapy (Deep tissue photobiomodulation)
2. Manual Therapy (Joint mobilization, myofascial release)
3. Therapeutic Exercise (Postural correction, scapular stabilization)

Class 4 Laser Therapy Parameters

• Laser Therapy Machine Specifications:
  • Power Output: 30W
  • Frequency: 1Hz
  • Duty Cycle: 45%
  • Treatment Duration: 10 minutes per session
  • Total Sessions: 12 (60-minute combined therapy sessions)

Treatment Zones

The laser therapy machine was applied to:

• Cervical spine (targeting discogenic pain & nerve root irritation)
• Posterior muscle groups (Trapezius, levator scapulae, rhomboids)
• Scapular stabilizers (Supraspinatus, infraspinatus)
• Anterior cervical muscles (Sternocleidomastoid, scalenes)

Mechanism of Class 4 Laser Therapy

The high-power laser therapy machine penetrates deep into tissues, providing:
✔ Anti-inflammatory effects (Reduces cytokines & swelling around compressed nerves)
✔ Enhanced microcirculation (Promotes healing in compressed nerve roots)
✔ Muscle relaxation (Decreases hypertonicity in cervical & scapular muscles)
✔ Pain modulation (Stimulates endorphin release & inhibits nociceptive signals)

Treatment Outcomes

After 12 sessions, the patient experienced:
✅ Pain Reduction: VAS score dropped from 7 to 1-2
✅ Restored Cervical Mobility: Full range of motion regained
✅ Reduced Numbness: Hand paresthesia significantly diminished
✅ Improved Function: Prolonged sitting tolerance increased

Conclusion

For patients with cervical spondylosis, disc herniation, and chronic myofascial pain, Class 4 laser therapy serves as a highly effective, non-invasive modality. When combined with manual therapy and corrective exercise, it accelerates recovery, reduces dependency on pain medication, and restores functional mobility. This case demonstrates that laser therapy machines can be a game-changer in managing work-related musculoskeletal disorders, particularly for individuals with sedentary lifestyles.

Recommendations for Long-Term Management

• Ergonomic adjustments (Workstation optimization)
• Postural strengthening exercises (Neck & scapular stability drills)
• Periodic laser maintenance therapy (For flare-up prevention)

By integrating Class 4 laser therapy into rehabilitation protocols, clinicians can achieve faster pain relief and long-term musculoskeletal health in patients with cervical degenerative conditions.