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.
All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.
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), which may stimulate cellular energy production and help reduce inflammation. This photobiomodulation process may involve:
- ATP Production: Laser light may activate cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria, which may support cellular energy in muscles, discs, and nerve roots
- Anti-Inflammatory Response: Photons may suppress inflammatory cytokines and help reduce swelling around compressed nerves and injured discs
- Circulation: Blood flow may improve, which may support oxygen and nutrient delivery to disc tissue and muscle
All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.
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.
🚨 When to seek urgent care for neck pain
Most neck pain is mechanical in nature and may respond to conservative care. However, certain signs and symptoms associated with neck pain may 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 let you know and help direct you to the most appropriate care.
All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.
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.
All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.
What does the evidence say?
Chow et al. (2009), The Lancet
Meta-analysis of 16 RCTs involving 820 patients. The authors reported that LLLT may reduce pain in acute and chronic neck pain.
Gross et al. (2013), Open Orthopaedics Journal
Systematic review of 17 trials examined LLLT for neck pain. It reported moderate-quality evidence, from a small number of trials, that LLLT may help manage chronic neck pain.
Tehrani et al. (2022), Lasers in Medical Science
Analysis of 13 RCTs with 556 patients reported that LLLT may reduce myofascial neck pain compared to placebo.
Huang Z et al. (2015), Arthritis Research & Therapy
Meta-analysis of 7 RCTs on LLLT for nonspecific chronic low back pain reported that LLLT may reduce pain intensity.
All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.
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.
All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Your initial consultation is $99. 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
All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.
Your neck & back pain questions answered
Common questions answered by Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor).
All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.
Neck and back pain may stem from postural strain, muscle tension, disc degeneration, arthritis, injury, or poor ergonomics. A thorough assessment at Adelaide Cold Laser looks at what may be contributing to your pain.
Cold laser and chiropractic adjustments target different aspects of spinal pain. Cold laser may help reduce inflammation and support tissue repair. Whether one or both may be appropriate is discussed at your consultation.
A systematic review (Gross et al. 2013) reported moderate evidence that LLLT may help manage chronic neck pain. Individual responses vary.
Individual responses vary, and progress is reviewed at each visit. 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. However, severe disc pathology may require medical imaging and specialist evaluation. Your consultation includes an assessment of your presentation.
Yes. The $99 session includes a comprehensive spinal examination, pain assessment, movement testing, and your first cold laser treatment.
Individual responses vary, and progress is reviewed at each visit.
Yes. Cold laser may be used alongside physiotherapy, massage, and self-care exercises.
Individual responses vary, and progress is reviewed at each visit.
Cold laser is generally well-tolerated and may help manage pain associated with spinal osteoarthritis. Suitability is assessed at your consultation, and individual responses vary.
Postural strain may contribute to muscle tension. Cold laser may help reduce inflammation and support muscle recovery, alongside postural and ergonomic advice.
Pain radiating into the arm (cervical radiculopathy) or leg (lumbar radiculopathy) may involve nerve root irritation or compression. Cold laser may help reduce inflammation 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)
$99
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.
All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.
Last clinically reviewed: 22 March 2026 by Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor), B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro.(Macq), AHPRA Registered.
