Table 1_Clinical efficacy of ultra-laser irradiation combined with gabapentin on elderly patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.docx

ObjectiveCervical spondylotic radiculopathy is the most prevalent form of cervical spondylosis. This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of ultra-laser irradiation combined with gabapentin for treating elderly patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, providing a basis for optimizing treatment strategies.
MethodsIn this single-blind randomized controlled trial, 160 elderly patients diagnosed at our hospital from March to June 2025 were assigned (1:1) to ultra-laser irradiation plus gabapentin or gabapentin alone (80 per group). Pain was assessed with the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and health status with the EQ-5D at baseline and after three courses of treatment (30 sessions in total). Adverse events were recorded.
ResultsBaseline NRS scores were similar between groups. After treatment, the between-group difference in NRS improvement was 1.90 points (95% CI 1.64–2.16; p < 0.001) favoring the combination. The between-group difference in EQ-5D change was 0.08 (95% CI 0.04–0.12; p < 0.001). Patients who experienced at least one adverse event accounted for 12.5% (10/80) in the combination group and 42.5% (34/80) in the gabapentin-only group (χ2 = 18.06, p < 0.001).
ConclusionUltra-laser irradiation combined with gabapentin reduced pain, improved health-related quality of life, and was associated with fewer short-term adverse events compared with gabapentin alone. Confirmation with longer follow-up, sham-controlled designs, and cost-effectiveness evaluation is warranted.