Therapeutic Efficacy of Different Wavelengths of Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Cervicogenic Headache

Therapeutic Efficacy of Different Wavelengths of Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Cervicogenic Headache

This study tests if low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with different light wavelengths can help people with cervicogenic headache, a type of headache caused by neck problems. Adults aged 18-65 with this headache for at least 3 months will try one of three LLLT treatments (675nm, 820nm, or a mix of wavelengths) along with regular physical therapy like stretching and exercises. The study will check pain levels, how often headaches happen, neck movement, disability, and quality of life over 6 weeks, with follow-ups at 3 and 6 months. the investigators want to find the best LLLT option to reduce headache symptoms safely.

This single-center, single-blinded randomized clinical trial investigates the therapeutic efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) at different wavelengths-675nm (30mW), 820nm (200mW), and a 46-cluster LED probe (combining 660nm, 950nm, 870nm, 880nm, 940nm, 820nm)-in treating cervicogenic headache (CGH), a secondary headache originating from cervical spine dysfunction. Conducted at the Department of Physiotherapy, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, the study spans 18 months post-BASR approval, with a 6-week intervention period and 6-month follow-up. Participants are randomized into three parallel groups, each receiving LLLT (using the Omega XP Model) plus routine physical therapy (stretching, exercise, hot pack, TENS) three times weekly for 30 minutes over 18 sessions. The trial aims to compare the effectiveness of these modalities in reducing pain (VAS), headache frequency (diary), cervical range of motion (goniometry), neck disability (NDI), quality of life (SF-36), and forward head posture (camera). Ethical approval was granted by The University of Lahore's Research Ethical Committee (Ref: REC-UOL-/520/08/24, dated 05-09-2024), ensuring participant consent and confidentiality. The study addresses a research gap in wavelength-specific LLLT efficacy for CGH, potentially guiding future clinical practice.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients aged 18-65 years diagnosed with cervicogenic headache based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) criteria.
• Persistent headaches for at least 3 months.
• No previous exposure to low-level laser therapy (LLLT).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with other primary headache disorders (e.g., migraine, tension-type headache).
• History of cervical spine surgery.
• Pregnant or lactating women.
• Patients with a history of photosensitivity or taking photosensitizing medications.