Cold Laser Therapy for Headaches (Cervicogenic and Migraine)

Cold Laser Therapy for Headaches (Cervicogenic and Migraine)

Understanding Headaches

Headaches are one of the most common neurological complaints. Cervicogenic headaches arise from dysfunction in the cervical spine—particularly the upper cervical joints and surrounding musculature—while migraines are thought to involve vascular changes, neurological sensitivity, and inflammation.

These types of headaches can significantly impact quality of life, productivity, and daily function.

Common Symptoms

Cervicogenic Headache:

• Pain starting at the base of the skull or neck and radiating to the forehead or behind the eye
• Neck stiffness or reduced range of motion
• Tenderness in neck muscles

Migraine:

• Throbbing or pulsating pain (often one-sided)
• Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell
• Nausea or vomiting
• Aura or visual disturbances in some cases

Causes and Triggers

• Poor posture, prolonged screen use
• Neck trauma or joint dysfunction (common in cervicogenic headaches)
• Hormonal changes, stress, certain foods or lack of sleep (more common in migraine)

Role of Cold Laser Therapy in Headache Management

Cold laser therapy has been investigated for its effects on musculoskeletal-related headache symptoms and pain modulation.

How It May Help:

• Reduce muscle tension in the neck and upper back
• Improve local circulation and oxygenation to the cervical spine and scalp
• Modulate the nervous system’s pain processing pathways
• Support mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative stress (particularly relevant in migraines)

A study by Chow et al. (2009) found that LLLT significantly reduced neck pain and improved function, which may benefit patients with cervicogenic headaches.

A 2024 pilot randomized controlled trial investigated the efficacy of low-level 810 nm laser acupuncture as an add-on treatment for patients with chronic migraine who had unsatisfactory responses to pharmacological treatments. The study found that laser acupuncture was effective in reducing monthly migraine days and the usage of acute headache medications, with promising safety profiles.

Integrative Care Recommendations

• Chiropractic care or physiotherapy for spinal dysfunction
• Postural education and ergonomic advice
• Stress management and dietary awareness (for migraine-prone individuals)
• Targeted stretching and strengthening exercises

When to Seek Care

If you suffer from persistent or recurring headaches, especially with associated neck tension or movement-related symptoms, cold laser therapy may provide gentle, adjunctive support to your treatment plan. At Cold Laser Perth, we use the MR5 ACTIV PRO LaserStim®, which combines laser and electrical stimulation in a single device. We also often combine laser therapy with soft tissue techniques like dry needling and tailored exercises to improve outcomes for headaches.

Book an Appointment

If you're dealing head pain that just won’t ease up, cold laser therapy may be a helpful part of your recovery.

📍 Find us in Joondalup

📅 Book online at coldlaserperth.com.au

While outcomes can vary, many patients find this multi-modal approach helps improve over time. If you are having any neck pain or persistent headache, feel free to contact Cold Laser Perth at Lakeside Chiropractic at 9300 0095 to see how we may be able to help or visit our website at www.coldlaserperth.com.au for more information.

📍 Serving the Joondalup & Northern Suburbs of Perth Lakeside Chiropractic is central to the northern suburbs of Perth, located in the City of Joondalup. If you are in the surrounding suburbs such as Yanchep - 6035, Tapping - 6065, Carramar - 6031, Currambine - 6028, Wanneroo - 6065, Heathridge - 6027, Edgewater - 6027, Gnangara - 6077, Mullaloo - 6027, Padbury - 6025, Kingsley - 6026, Woodvale - 6026, Banksia Grove - 6031, or Duncraig - 6023, our team is here to assist you.

References

1. Chow RT, Johnson MI, Lopes-Martins RA, Bjordal JM. Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo or active-treatment controlled trials. Lancet. 2009 Dec 5;374(9705):1897-908.
2. Wu, H.-Y., Wang, C.-S., Liu, Y.-C., Chung, C.-C., Chen, W.-L., Tsai, C.-I., Hsu, C.-Y., & Chou, C.-H. (2024). Enhancing chronic migraine preventive therapy: Low-level 810 nm laser acupuncture as an add-on treatment for patients with unsatisfactory pharmacological effect, a pilot single-blind randomized controlled trial. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 24(1), 318.