Evaluating Different Low-level Laser Therapies to Treat Neck Pain in Air Force Pilots and Flight Crew

Evaluating Different Low-level Laser Therapies to Treat Neck Pain in Air Force Pilots and Flight Crew

Determine the most effective and efficient treatment protocols for treating neck pain with LLLT.

The purpose of this study is to identify what are the most effective low level laser therapy (LLLT) dosimetry parameters when treating pilots and navigators complaining of flight related neck pain.

**Patients must be able to get care at Nellis Air Force Base (a military installation) in order to participate in this study**

Inclusion Criteria:

• Active Duty US Air Force pilots or onboard navigators, aged 18- 62 years of age
• maintain operational flight status at enrollment or within the last 6 months
• History of neck pain for a period of more than two months
• Score on the Neck Disability Index ranging from 15-24
• No physiotherapy or local injection in 3 months before starting the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnant
• major surgery or trauma in the previous 3 months
• unstable cervical spine
• cervical radiculopathy
• rheumatoid arthritis
• open wound over neck
• pace-maker or defibrillator implantation
• overt neuropathic pain or radiation pain
• inability to express pain or quality of life.
• history of neurological disorders
• medical diagnosis of fibromyalgia; systemic disease