Does Laser Therapy for Back Pain Work?

Yes, low-level laser therapy reduces back pain, addresses inflammation, and promotes the healing of injured or damaged tissues. While different types of laser treatments are available, cold laser therapy is typically preferred for back pain treatment. Laser treatment is non-invasive, making it one of the most effective alternatives to surgery and pain meds. 

     But,

     Is it good to laser your back?

     Does laser therapy really work?

Research This blog discusses how laser therapy works on back pain and the science behind its effectiveness. Let’s begin. 

What is Low-Level Laser Treatment (LLLT)?

Laser treatment is a new electrical treatment method for pain management. Low-level laser therapy involves using ‘soft’ or ‘low-intensity’ light to activate the natural healing process, leading to reduced pain, swelling, and inflammation in tissues.

For back pain, LLLT targets the damaged or worn-out tissues in the spine, promoting tissue repair and regeneration. Consistent sessions along with chiropractic care or physiotherapy jump-start the natural healing process, leading to optimal pain relief and well-being. 

     Read more: What is Laser Therapy in Physiotherapy?

How Cold Laser Therapy Works on Back Pain?

Back pain can have different symptoms. However, the root cause is most likely an injured muscle or ligament. LLLT emits cold laser light, targeting the damaged tissues, ligaments, muscles, vertebral discs or joint capsules. 

The non-thermal laser light travels through the skin layers to the problematic tissues, where it is absorbed by the cell membranes and mitochondria. This absorption of light energy triggers a complex series of physiological and neurological responses, leading to pain relief, inflammation reduction and accelerated tissue healing. 

The process is called ‘photobiomodulation. ’ 

Physiological effects on back pain

Low-level laser therapy reduces back pain at a cellular level, stimulating the body’s natural healing cells. It triggers a series of physiological reactions, as mentioned below, which are crucial to relieve back pain and heal the damaged tissues. 

• Increased ATP production– Mitochondria, the main powerhouse of cells, absorb the light energy during LLLT and increase the production of ATP or Adenosine Triphosphate, increasing blood flow and cell function in the affected back muscles, leading to reduced pain. 
• Production of anti-inflammatory cytokines- Cold laser is popular because of its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It restricts the release of pro-inflammatory mediators while increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. 
• Enhanced blood circulation– The laser light increases blood flow to the targeted area, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the damaged tissues. 
• Release of endorphins– The cold laser light stimulates the release of endorphins, which are the natural pain-relievers of our body. 
• Enhanced collagen production– Laser increases collagen production, which is crucial for tissue repair and growth. 

Neurological effects on back pain

• Regeneration of damaged nerves– Nerve cells absorb the light energy and promote the synthesis of proteins necessary for nerve repair. 
• Release of neurotransmitters- The cold laser may stimulate the release of endorphins and enkephalins, the body’s natural pain relievers that help reduce pain signals. 
• Reduced nerve inflammation– Laser can relieve the pressure on nerves, reducing inflammation around nerve roots and along nerve pathways.
• Better cellular function– Cold laser increases ATP production, which in turn improves cellular function and enables nerves to withstand stress better. 

The neurological effects of laser therapy are applicable when nerve involvement is one of the reasons for back pain. Conditions like sciatica and radiculopathy can cause long-term neurological back pain. Cold laser therapy may offer relief in these cases though the effectiveness can vary depending on the condition’s severity and underlying cause. 

What are the Benefits of Laser Therapy for Back Pain Treatment?

According to Statistics Canada, four out of five Canadians experience back pain at some point in their lives. It is recognized as the leading cause of disability all over the world. Besides laser therapy, other conservative treatments include physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy and acupuncture. Here’s why therapists and doctors worldwide recommend cold laser treatment for back pain treatment. 

Non-invasive approach 

Laser therapy is non-invasive. It uses non-thermal light energy to activate the body’s natural healing processes.  The light travels through the skin’s layers to reach the affected cells and begin its healing mechanism. 

No dependence on pain medications and surgery

Laser therapy relieves back pain by stimulating the natural healing capabilities of our body.  It is effective and can reduce dependency and surgeries. 

Faster healing

Cold laser light can stimulate cellular repair and regeneration, leading to accelerated healing. Whether you have acute or chronic back pain, laser therapy restores the damaged tissues, enabling you to return to normal activities quicker. 

Negligible Side Effects

Pain meds or surgeries can lead to long-term side effects. Laser therapy, on the contrary, is a natural pain-relieving treatment that generally has mild or minimal side effects. 

Long-term relief

LLLT addresses the root physiological and neurological factors that contribute to your back pain and not just the symptoms. Thus, consistent sessions can bring you relief for a long time. 

Personalized approach 

The therapist can adopt a personalized approach while applying laser treatment in Brampton. They can adjust the therapy’s protocols based on the patient’s pain levels, treatment response and the nature of the condition. 

Various research studies prove that low-level laser therapy has the potential to treat back pain. However, the effectiveness of this treatment depends on various factors like the intensity of your symptoms, medical history and symptoms. Consult a trained therapist who can assess your injuries and determine if laser is the right treatment for your condition. 

What Does the First Laser Therapy Session Look Like?

A trained therapist or practitioner is the right person to provide you with laser therapy in Brampton. They determine the damaged tissues, muscles or ligaments in your back muscles that result in pain. The professional then cleans the region and uses a small handheld device to apply pulses of light to the skin. 

The duration of the laser therapy session depends on the severity of your injury and the size of the area to be treated. It could be as short as a few minutes or go on for an hour or more. 

Are there any risks associated with the treatment?

Cold laser therapy is generally safe. It emits soft or cold laser, which is low-intensity laser light. Some patients, however, may feel soreness, mild discomfort or a warm sensation during or after the treatment. These effects may take some weeks to heal completely. 

A trained and professional therapist can help reduce the risks associated with this treatment. You should talk to your therapist directly before booking the appointment and inquire about their years of experience in this field. Top physiotherapy clinics in Brampton, like Physiotherapy First, provide low-level laser therapy for back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions.