A review of data from 16-controlled trials with a total of 820-people treated for neck pain reveals, low-level laser therapy has been found to effectively ease a common form of neck pain.

Reporting its review in the 13th November online issue of The Lancet, the international team of researchers say: 'It is effective against non-specific pain arising from the muscles and the joints, where there is not a clear cause, such as a herniated disc.'

In the two trials for acute neck pain, low-level laser therapy aimed at the painful area of the neck, saw 70% of the study participants reporting reduced pain, compared to those treated with a beam of ordinary light. The low-level laser therapy using a laser's light helped stimulate tissue repair and eased pain.

In five trials laser treatment given to people suffering from chronic, persistent neck pain found them four times more likely to report reduced pain, in comparison with those receiving placebo treatment.

In seven out of 11-trials for chronic pain, pain relief persisted, with few or no side effects reported.

An ageing population has seen an increase in neck pain, so a non-drug treatment with no apparent side effects is extremely attractive.

The laser device for treating neck pain has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, it is different from approval for a medication, as proof is required that the drug is safe and effective. Whereas, device approval only indicates the technology is safe.

Medical insurance coverage for laser therapy for pain is different from country to country, but laser therapy is not covered by Medicare in the United States.