Effect of Low Level Laser Therapy on neuropathic pain after neck dissection surgery

Background: Neck dissection (ND) operations are performed to treat known metastatic neck illness. These operations have been associated with chronic neck and shoulder problems. Neck morbidity is a common consequence following cancer treatment, often presenting as limited range of motion (ROM), sensory impairments, and persistent neck pain. Materials and Methods: This study included 52 patients, 21 of whom were male and 31 of whom were female. At random, they were split up into two groups. Group A was treated with Low Level Laser Therapy, while Group B received a placebo. Both groups received standard medical care. Participants had to be between the ages of 30 and 60 and have moderate to severe neuropathic pain following unilateral radical neck dissection surgery in order to be included. The Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) Scale was used to quantify neuropathic pain, the Visual Analogue Scale was used to measure the intensity of pain, and the Universal Goniometer was used to measure neck range of motion both before and after the 6-week intervention. Results: For both groups A and B, all variables changed significantly after therapy compared to before (p < 0.001). Prior to and following treatment, there was no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). However, statistical analysis revealed that after treatment, the study group's bending and rotation toward and away from the operated side significantly improved when compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Low Level Laser Therapy was found to be effective in reducing cervical pain and improving neck range of motion (ROM).