low level laser therapy for back pain

Low level laser therapy (LLLT) offers new hope to people living with chronic back pain. Using medical treatment approaches such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), topical analgesics, lidocaine and steroids, corticosteroids, opioids, and surgery to treat back pain carry many risks. As a result many alternative options are becoming the first choice for many back pain sufferers. So, what is low level laser therapy? And how can it help with back pain and help you lead a healthy, pain-free, and active lifestyle? 

Low Level Laser Therapy for Back Pain

Low level laser therapy (LLLT) also referred to as cold laser therapy is a form of non-invasive light treatment (photobiomodulation) used to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and repair damaged tissues caused by different musculoskeletal disorders. LLLT emits no sound, heat, or vibration, therefore it is considered a perfectly safe and effective alternative treatment option for back pain. 

Cold lasers or low level lasers are small hand-held devices (often the size of a flashlight) that are applied directly over the injured area of the patients. Depending on the intensity of pain and the size of the area being treated, the clinicians may use a certain wavelength of low-power laser light (generally 600-1000 nm wavelength) for 30 seconds to several minutes.  

The red and near-infrared light emitted by the cold laser is believed to affect the function of fibroblasts (connective tissues of the body), speed up the connective tissue repair process, eliminate pain, reduce swelling and spasms, and increase functionality. 

Low level laser therapy for back pain is considered to be one of the safest treatment approaches for patients seeking lower back pain relief or pain reduction without the use of drugs or surgery. 

Some of the remarkable benefits of low level laser therapy for back pain are outlined below:

Restores Muscle Function & Joint Mobility

Low level laser therapy boosts the drainage of inflammation and other waste products from the body through the lymph and circulatory system thereby restoring and enhancing muscle function and joint movement. 

Increases Blood Flow

LLLT also stimulates the vascular activity thereby increasing the blood flow in the affected area. 

Reduces Pain, Swelling, and Inflammation

LLLT causes the body to release its own natural pain killers – these endorphins reduce back pain, swelling, and inflammation in a completely natural way. 

Accelerate Metabolic Activity

Since low level laser therapy increases the blood supply in the affected area, metabolic activity is also increased as more oxygen is supplied; this results in bringing more energy into the affected area. In a nutshell, low level laser therapy not only treats the symptoms associated with back pain it also targets the underlying cause of the back pain minimising the chances of recurrent episodes.

Melbourne Natural Therapies
Low Level Laser Therapy Melbourne