Does MLS Laser Therapy Work for Neck & Back Pain?

Neck and back pain can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it starts to limit your work, sleep, and the activities you enjoy most.

At Intouch Chiropractic in San Diego, we see patients every day who have already tried medications, injections, and even surgery recommendations, yet still live with stubborn pain that will not fully resolve. That is often when they begin looking for safer, non-invasive options like MLS laser therapy to help calm inflammation, support tissue healing, and finally get lasting relief.

As NUCCA chiropractors who also specialize in advanced technologies like Class IV MLS laser therapy, we are often asked, “Does MLS laser therapy really work for neck and back pain, or is it just another trend?”

In this article, we will walk you through how MLS laser therapy works, what the current research says about its effectiveness for chronic neck and low back pain, what to expect during treatment at Intouch Chiropractic, and how we combine it with NUCCA care and spinal decompression to help you get better results, faster.

By the end, you will have a clear, evidence informed understanding of whether MLS laser therapy for neck and back pain is a good fit for you.

First, let’s cover how MLS laser therapy works.

How Does MLS Laser Therapy Work?

MLS (Multiwave Locked System) laser therapy is a Class IV laser technology that delivers concentrated light energy deep into damaged tissues. Unlike low level lasers, MLS uses two synchronized wavelengths that work together to penetrate up to 4 to 5 inches below the skin surface, reaching muscles, ligaments, discs, and even nerve tissue that contribute to your neck and back pain.

The laser energy triggers a biological response called photobiomodulation. This process increases cellular metabolism, improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and accelerates your body’s natural healing mechanisms. For patients dealing with chronic pain, MLS laser therapy can help break the pain cycle by calming overactive nerves and repairing damaged tissue at the cellular level.

At Intouch Chiropractic, we use the Multiwave Locked System laser because it combines pain relief with tissue repair in a single treatment. Most of our patients feel warmth during the session but no discomfort, and each treatment typically lasts between 10 to 15 minutes depending on the area being treated.

Can MLS Laser Therapy Treat Neck and Back Pain?

Yes, MLS laser therapy is highly effective for both acute and chronic neck and back pain. The key is understanding what is causing your discomfort in the first place.

What Causes Neck and Back Pain?

Neck and back pain often stem from muscle strains, ligament sprains, herniated or bulging discs, facet joint inflammation, nerve irritation (such as sciatica or cervical radiculopathy), spinal stenosis, and degenerative conditions like arthritis.

Many of these conditions share common features: inflammation, poor circulation to injured tissues, muscle spasms, and sensitized nerve pathways that keep sending pain signals even after the original injury.

How Does MLS Laser Therapy Address Back and Neck Pain?

MLS laser therapy addresses each of these underlying issues described above.

The laser reduces inflammation by decreasing pro-inflammatory chemicals in the tissue. It improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to starved muscles and ligaments, which speeds healing.

MLS laser therapy also has a direct analgesic effect on nerve fibers, calming down hypersensitive pain receptors. For patients with chronic conditions like degenerative disc disease or arthritis, MLS laser therapy can provide significant relief by managing inflammation and supporting the body’s repair processes, even when full structural healing is not possible.

What to Expect from MLS Laser Therapy from Intouch Chiropractic for Neck and Back Pain

At Intouch Chiropractic, we take a comprehensive approach to treating neck and back pain.

MLS laser therapy is often a central part of our treatment plan, but we combine it with other therapies to address the root cause of your pain and give you the best possible outcome.

Here is what you can expect when you come to our San Diego office for MLS laser therapy:

• Thorough Initial Consultation: Before starting MLS laser therapy, we conduct a detailed examination to identify the exact source of your pain. This may include physical assessments, range of motion testing, and discussion of your health history.
• Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on your diagnosis, we will create a customized plan that may combine MLS laser therapy with NUCCA chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression therapy, and rehabilitative exercises.
• Comfortable Laser Sessions: During the MLS laser treatment, you will feel a gentle warming sensation as the laser penetrates deep into the affected area. There is no pain or downtime, and sessions typically last 10 to 15 minutes.
• Progressive Results: Many patients notice some improvement after just a few sessions, but optimal results typically require a series of treatments. We usually recommend a range of sessions depending on the severity and chronicity of your condition.
• Integration with NUCCA Care: As NUCCA specialists, we focus on precise upper cervical alignment. Correcting misalignments in the upper neck can have a profound effect on overall spinal health and pain reduction. MLS laser therapy complements NUCCA adjustments by reducing inflammation and accelerating healing.
• Spinal Decompression Therapy: For patients with disc related issues like herniated discs or sciatica, we often combine MLS laser therapy with non surgical spinal decompression. This gentle traction therapy relieves pressure on compressed nerves while the laser promotes healing.
• Ongoing Support and Education: We will teach you exercises, stretches, and lifestyle modifications to help prevent future flare ups and maintain your progress long term.

If you are suffering from chronic neck and back pain and would like to work with our team of expert San Diego chiropractors, contact us today.

Want expert help? Call our office today at (619) 756-7510 or request an appointment here.