Cold Laser for Neck & Back Pain in Adelaide
Chronic or acute neck and back pain affects millions of Australians, limiting mobility, causing muscle spasm, and disrupting daily activities. Whether your pain stems from muscle strain, disc involvement, postural issues, or radicular symptoms, cold laser therapy—also called low-level laser therapy (LLLT)—may help reduce pain and support tissue repair.
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)
Principal Chiropractor
B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro.(Macq)
Cold Laser Treatment for Neck Pain & Back Pain in Adelaide
Cold laser therapy delivers specific wavelengths of light (typically 600–1000 nm) to stimulate cellular energy production and reduce inflammation in damaged spinal tissue. This photobiomodulation process triggers:
- ATP Production: Laser light activates cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria, boosting cellular energy in muscles, discs, and nerve roots
- Anti-Inflammatory Response: Photons suppress inflammatory cytokines and reduce swelling around compressed nerves and injured discs
- Improved Circulation: Enhanced blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to degenerative disc tissue and muscle
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Allow up to 30 minutes for a comprehensive initial consultation. Here is how it works.
You Tell Us
We listen carefully, ask the right questions, and build a clear picture of what has been going on with your neck, back, and how your symptoms affect daily life.
We Assess
Hands-on testing and biostructural analysis to identify what may be contributing to your neck or back pain.
We Explain
We walk you through our findings and your options in plain language. If imaging is recommended, we will explain why and discuss your options.
X-rays are only taken with your agreement, and where eligible, may be bulk billed.*
Care May Begin
Where clinically appropriate, care may begin on your first visit to help support relief.*
We offer both traditional hands-on chiropractic techniques and gentle, low-force approaches, tailored to your comfort. Care only proceeds with your consent.
Ready to Get Started?
Your first visit takes about 30 minutes. No referral needed, no lock-in plans. The decision is always yours.
Book Your First Visit*Subject to clinical assessment and suitability criteria. Bulk billing subject to eligibility criteria and clinical need.
How Our Fees Compare
Your first visit is over 40% below the South Australian average.
Source: Australian Chiropractors Association Consultation Fee Survey 2025 (SA data).
🚨 When to seek urgent care for neck pain
Most neck pain is mechanical in nature and responds well to conservative care. However, certain signs and symptoms associated with neck pain can indicate a serious underlying condition that requires urgent medical attention. Seek emergency care or call 000 immediately if you experience:
- Sudden severe neck pain with neurological symptoms: Sudden onset of severe neck pain or headache accompanied by dizziness, visual changes, difficulty speaking, facial drooping, or unsteadiness may suggest vertebral artery dissection. This is a medical emergency.
- Cervical myelopathy signs: Gait disturbance (unsteady walking), hand clumsiness (difficulty with buttons or fine motor tasks), bilateral upper limb symptoms (numbness or weakness in both arms), or changes in bladder or bowel function
- Progressive neurological weakness: Increasing weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms, hands, or legs that is getting worse rather than better
- Neck pain after significant trauma: Following a car accident, fall from height, or impact, particularly if you are unable to turn your head or have numbness or tingling
- Systemic warning signs: Unexplained weight loss, fever, severe night pain that wakes you from sleep, or a history of cancer, combined with new neck pain
If you are experiencing sudden severe neck pain with neurological symptoms such as dizziness, visual changes, or difficulty speaking, call 000 immediately. Do not wait for a routine appointment.
At Stapleton Chiropractic, screening for red flags is a routine part of every neck pain assessment. If we identify anything that requires urgent medical attention or further investigation, we will always let you know immediately and help direct you to the most appropriate care.
How Chiropractic May Help Neck & Back Pain
Chiropractic care focuses on assessing and managing the mechanical function of your spine and musculoskeletal system. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) will conduct a thorough assessment and discuss whether chiropractic care may be appropriate for your situation. Treatment approaches may include spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and tailored exercise recommendations. Individual responses vary, and the decision about care is always yours.
What does the evidence say?
Chow et al. (2009) — The Lancet
Meta-analysis of 16 RCTs involving 820 patients shows significant pain reduction in acute and chronic conditions. Critically, neck pain specifically showed strong evidence for LLLT efficacy. This is the foundational study supporting cold laser use across pain conditions.
Gross et al. (2013) — Cochrane Database
Systematic review of 17 trials examined LLLT for chronic neck pain. Concluded moderate evidence supports LLLT as an option for managing chronic neck pain, especially when combined with other therapies like physiotherapy and chiropractic care.
Tehrani et al. (2022) — Systematic Review
Analysis of 13 RCTs with 556 patients found LLLT significantly reduced myofascial neck pain compared to placebo. Relevant to tension neck, postural strain, and muscle-related cervical pain.
Huang Z et al. (2015) — Pain Research and Management
Large systematic review on LLLT for chronic low back pain demonstrated photobiomodulation effectiveness in reducing pain intensity and improving function. Supports use in both muscular and disc-related lower back conditions.
Why Patients Choose Stapleton Chiropractic for Neck & Back Pain
Over 50 Years of Trusted Care
Stapleton Chiropractic has been serving Adelaide since 1972. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) continues this legacy with an evidence-based, patient-centred approach.
Transparent, Affordable Pricing
$99 initial consultation. Standard follow-up visits $120. Private fee service with itemised receipts provided.
Convenient Hours & Location
Open 7am–7pm weekdays and Saturday mornings (8am–12pm). Free on-site parking at 528 Marion Road, Plympton Park. No referral needed.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Your initial consultation is $69. No referral needed, no lock-in plans. We will listen, assess your neck and back, and explain your options in plain language.
Book Your First VisitPrefer to call? (08) 8297 5277
Your neck & back pain questions answered
Common questions answered by Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor).
Neck and back pain can stem from postural strain, muscle tension, disc degeneration, arthritis, injury, or poor ergonomics. Some pain is mechanical (alignment), others are metabolic (inflammation). A thorough assessment at Adelaide Cold Laser helps identify your specific pain source.
Cold laser and chiropractic adjustments target different aspects of spinal pain. Adjustments improve alignment; cold laser reduces inflammation and supports tissue healing. Many patients see best results with both combined, but each can be effective independently.
Cochrane and meta-analysis reviews (Gross et al. 2013, Tehrani et al. 2022) specifically found moderate-to-strong evidence for LLLT in chronic neck pain. This robust evidence base makes neck pain one of the top indications for cold laser therapy.
Acute pain (recent onset) typically responds faster to cold laser, sometimes in 3–a treatment course. Chronic back pain (months or years) often requires longer treatment courses (8–an extended course or more). Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) will tailor your plan to your condition duration.
Cold laser may help manage pain from disc involvement by reducing inflammation around the nerve root and supporting disc tissue metabolism. However, severe disc pathology may require medical imaging and specialist evaluation. A consultation with Stapleton Chiropractic ensures appropriate assessment.
Yes. The $99 session includes a comprehensive spinal examination, pain assessment, movement testing, and your first cold laser treatment. This gives you tangible results to assess whether LLLT is working for your pain.
Typical courses range 6–an extended course, a frequency tailored to your needs. Acute, recent-onset pain may improve in a treatment course; chronic long-standing pain often requires 10–an extended course for sustained relief. Individual response varies significantly.
Yes. Cold laser works well alongside physiotherapy, massage, and self-care exercises. In fact, combining modalities often produces better outcomes than single-modality treatment alone.
Some patients report immediate relief; others notice gradual improvement over the course of treatment. Chronic pain typically shows cumulative benefit. Progress is assessed regularly to ensure treatment is producing meaningful results.
Yes. Cold laser is often used to manage osteoarthritis pain and may support joint tissue by reducing inflammation. A consultation with Stapleton Chiropractic ensures the approach is tailored to your arthritic condition.
Postural strain creates muscle tension and inflammation. Cold laser reduces inflammation, improves circulation, and supports muscle recovery. Combined with postural correction and ergonomic advice, cold laser helps break the pain cycle.
Pain radiating into the arm (cervical radiculopathy) or leg (lumbar radiculopathy) involves nerve root compression. Cold laser reduces inflammation around compressed nerves and may help manage radiating pain. Adelaide Cold Laser can assess whether your radicular symptoms are suitable for LLLT.
Pain radiating into the arm (cervical radiculopathy) or leg (lumbar radiculopathy) involves nerve root compression. Cold laser reduces inflammation around compressed nerves and may help manage radiating pain. Adelaide Cold Laser can assess whether your radicular symptoms are suitable for LLLT.
Where are you right now?
Choose the path that best describes where you are today.
Ready to Get Started? We're Ready When You Are.
Choose a time that works for you. No referral needed.
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)
B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro.(Macq)
$69
Initial Consultation
Up to 30 minutes, including full assessment
Book Your First VisitPrefer to call? (08) 8297 5277
Text: 0400 105 454 | Email: info@adelaidecoldlaser.com.au
You will receive a confirmation email with all details immediately after booking.
Last clinically reviewed: 22 March 2026 by Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor), B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro.(Macq), AHPRA Registered.
