January 2024 CME Activity: Clinical Efficiency of High-Intensity Laser Therapy in Patients With Cervical Radiculopathy A 12-Week Follow-up, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial-Clinical Efficiency of High-Intensity Laser Therapy in Patients With Cervical Radiculopathy A 12-Week Follow-up, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Clinical Efficiency of High-Intensity Laser Therapy in Patients With Cervical Radiculopathy A 12-Week Follow-up, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

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A recent study investigated the effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy combined with exercise in treating patients with cervical radiculopathy. The study involved 90 participants who were divided into three groups: high-intensity laser therapy  exercise, placebo exercise, and exercise only. The participants were assessed for pain, range of motion, disability, and quality of life at baseline and weeks 4 and 12. <br /><br />The findings of the study showed an improvement in pain intensity, disability, and quality of life in all three groups. However, the high-intensity laser therapy  exercise group had greater improvements compared to the other two groups. The researchers concluded that high-intensity laser therapy combined with exercise was more effective in reducing radicular pain, improving quality of life, and functionality in patients with cervical radiculopathy. They suggest that high-intensity laser therapy should be considered as a management option for cervical radiculopathy.<br /><br />Cervical radiculopathy is a condition that involves inflammation in the cervical spinal roots and can cause pain and disability. Conservative treatments such as exercise, physical therapy, and medication are commonly used to manage the condition, but the efficacy of these treatments is still debated. Laser therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing pain in other neurologic conditions, and this study provides evidence that it can also be beneficial for patients with cervical radiculopathy.<br /><br />It is important to note that this study had some limitations, including a small sample size and a relatively short follow-up period. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is needed to confirm these findings.

Keywords

high-intensity laser therapy

exercise

cervical radiculopathy

pain

range of motion

disability

quality of life

placebo exercise

conservative treatments

neurologic conditions