what is laser treatment for back pain

Low-level laser therapy, commonly known as cold laser therapy, is an effective and non-invasive treatment to reduce chronic back pain. The innovative laser technology used during a low-level laser treatment can reduce back pain through a process known as bio-stimulation. This alternative chronic back pain treatment carries no risk.

Full Answer

Can laser spine surgery fix your back pain?

Jun 13, 2019 · One of the more well-studied methods of laser back surgery is called percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD). This procedure uses a …

How you can use lasers to heal injuries?

High energy laser therapy (HELT) could be a new alternative treatment for lower back pain (LBP), which is a significant public health problem. Nevertheless, differences between the various light waves of HELT have not yet been fully researched. Sixty-six patients with lower back pain were treated using a high energy laser therapy.

Is laser therapy good for pain?

Oct 04, 2018 · Surgeons use lasers to remove portions of soft tissue that can compress nerves, such as ligament enlargement or herniated discs. However, lasers are only appropriate for certain conditions. They can help surgeons remove either tumors from the spinal cord or bone and soft tissue from around a nerve.

How does laser therapy work for pain?

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on pain and functional capacity in patients with acute and chronic low back pain caused by lumbar disk herniation (LDH). LLLT has been used to treat acute and chronic pain of musculoskeletal system disorders.

Is laser therapy effective for back pain?

Laser therapy can be used in the treatment of back pain, arthritis, muscle strains, fibromyalgia, bursitis, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck and shoulder pain, plantar fasciitis, and even tennis elbow. In short, virtually any kind of chronic pain can be effectively treated by using laser therapy.

What is the success rate of laser spine surgery?

The study, which took into account almost 20,000 procedures, found a success rate ranging from 70% to 89%.Mar 31, 2021

How does laser relieve pain?

Pain Relief: “Laser decreases nerve sensitivity by decreasing bradykinin; a pain eliciting chemical. It normalizes ion channels [cellular gatekeepers] and releases endorphins [body's natural pain reliever] and enkephalins [related to endorphins] that produce an analgesic effect.Jan 23, 2018

What is laser spine therapy?

Surgeons use lasers to remove portions of soft tissue that can compress nerves, such as ligament enlargement or herniated discs. However, lasers are only appropriate for certain conditions. They can help surgeons remove either tumors from the spinal cord or bone and soft tissue from around a nerve.Oct 4, 2018

How long is recovery from laser spine surgery?

You should make a full recovery within 6 weeks of the surgery. Patients can take some steps to ensure that they recover as quickly as possible after laser spine surgery.

How is laser spine surgery performed?

The surgery is minimally invasive and is typically done with an endoscope or a microscope. Through an incision less than an inch long that goes through the skin and into the muscle, the surgeon resects the source of compression — herniated disc material pressing on a nerve or the spine.Mar 20, 2018

What are the side effects of laser therapy?

What are the risks?bleeding.infection.pain.scarring.changes in skin color.

Is chiropractic laser therapy safe?

Since its inception in 1960, LLLT has helped people all over the world. Low-level laser therapy is safe and effective for people of all ages and has been used as a primary pain solution for professional and Olympic athletes in Canada for over 20 years.

What is laser therapy good for?

The faster the inflammation is reduced and the healing process can begin, the better. In the case of acute injury, laser therapy helps restore the body to normal function quicker. With chronic conditions, laser therapy is used most often to help combat persistent pain and inflammation.Apr 15, 2015

Can laser therapy make pain worse?

You may feel a mild, soothing warmth. Laser treatment is relaxing — some people even fall asleep! On the other hand, it sometimes occurs that pain can increase or begin 6-24 hours after a treatment session. Pain may occur because the laser light begins the healing process.

Can laser spine surgery fix your back pain?

Thanks to technological and medical advances, physicians are now able to treat a number of common back and neck conditions with laser spine surgery, which is often less painful and heals more quickly than traditional open spine surgery.

Does laser help nerve damage?

How Does Laser Therapy Work? Cold Laser Therapy helps by actually stimulating microcirculation around the nerve fibers, which increases blood flow to the nerves and helps to heal and reduce neuropathic pain. Laser light energy penetrates the skin and stimulates increased oxygen on a cellular level.Jan 26, 2016

How long does laser therapy last?

Laser therapy treatment usually lasts 10 to 20 minutes per session . Chronic low back pain patients will usually respond best to 3 to 4 treatments per week. Maximum effect is often reached in 3 to 4 weeks, but several months of care may be necessary in extremely complex cases.

How does laser therapy affect the brain?

There are several neurologic responses to laser therapy that may influence brain recovery or prevent brain atrophy as well as several of the physiologic effects listed above. Oron et al studied the effects of gallium arsenide (GaAs) laser irradiation on ATP production in normal human neural progenitor (NHNP) cells. 24 Tissue cultures were treated with the GaAs laser, and ATP levels were determined 10 minutes after laser application. The quantity of ATP in the treated cells was significantly higher than in the nontreated group. The application of laser to NHNP cells significantly increases ATP production (P<0.05). This may explain the beneficial effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in stroked rats. 24

What causes low back pain?

The exact causes of chronic low back pain continue to be a mystery. Recent scientific studies have implicated a number of chemical mediators as possible contributors to the production of chronic low back pain. 6 These include: 1 Somatostatin 2 Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–alpha 3 Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) 4 Nitric oxide

Does nitric oxide cause depression?

Nitric oxide. Patients with chronic low back pain may also have emotional factors, such as depression. Studies have shown that 62% of the patients treated at pain clinics for low back pain have some type of depression. 7.

Is laser therapy safe?

Therapeutic lasers and other phototherapy devices have been shown to be safe, often effective, easily used primary or adjunctive therapy that is relatively cost-effective to both the clinician and patient. The multiple biochemical and physiologic effects of laser irradiation, including the anti-inflammatory effects, pain modulation, accelerated tissue healing, and immune and neurological modulation mentioned in this article, are cause for contemplation and further investigation, especially as they relate to the possible causal and developmental factors of brain atrophy in chronic pain patients.

Is laser therapy safe for back pain?

Therapeutic Laser for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain. Researchers have noted multiple biochemical and physiologic effects of laser irradiation, including the anti-inflammatory effects, pain modulation, and accelerated tissue healing. These effects make laser therapy a safe and effective option for pain practitioners.

What is laser surgery?

During laser back surgery, a laser is used to remove portions of tissue located around the spinal cord and nerves of the back. Unlike the other types of back surgery, it may only be appropriate for very specific conditions, such as when nerve compression is causing pain.

What causes pain in the lower back and leg?

An example of one such condition is sciatica, where the sciatic nerve becomes pinched, leading to pain in the lower back and leg.

What is the MISS tool?

MISS uses a smaller incision than traditional surgery. A special tool called a tubular retractor is used to create a small tunnel in order to access the surgical site. Various specialized tools can be placed into this tunnel during the surgery.

How long does it take to recover from miss surgery?

Generally speaking, people who’ve undergone MISS may return to work in around six weeks. You may have read that laser back surgery has a faster recovery than other procedures.

Does insurance cover laser back surgery?

Trusted Source. of laser back surgery versus other types of back surgery. The cost will vary from state to state. Insurance coverage can vary by insurance provider and insurance plan. Before undergoing any sort of procedure, you should always check with your insurance provider to see if it’s covered by your plan.

How long does it take for corticosteroids to go away?

However, the injection’s effects typically go away after a few months, and you can only receive so many due to the risk of side effects.

Can lasers cause infection?

Because a laser is used for the procedure, heat damage can occur to surrounding nerves, bone, and cartilage. Another possible complication is infection. This can occur during the placement of the probe if proper sanitization procedures aren’t followed.

Why do surgeons use lasers?

Surgeons use lasers to remove portions of soft tissue that can compress nerves, such as ligament enlargement or herniated discs. However, lasers are only appropriate for certain conditions. They can help surgeons remove either tumors from the spinal cord or bone and soft tissue from around a nerve.

Can lasers cause nerve damage?

Nerve damage: Using a laser during surgery can sometimes limit nerve damage. But in the hands of an inexperienced surgeon, a laser can actually increase the chances of tissue or nerve damage. Advertising Policy.

Can you use a laser for degenerative spine?

Lasers can treat some patients, but only for certain conditions. Experts rarely recommend using a laser for people with degenerative spine disease, for instance. Here’s how it stacks up against other methods. Traditional surgery.

Is Cleveland Clinic a non profit?

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy. But if you are considering back surgery, you should know that while minimally invasive surgery using a laser is effective for some conditions, it isn’t a miracle cure, ...

How does laser therapy help with cell damage?

Laser also causes a widening of the arteries and veins around the injury which helps to remove damaged cellular debris and increase nutrients and oxygen. White blood cell activity is enhanced leading to a more rapid repair process.

What is class 3 laser?

Class 3 lasers are sometimes referred to as cold lasers, and the therapy may be called LLLT for low-level laser therapy. In contrast, class 4 laser therapy is sometimes called HPLT for high-power laser therapy. “The majority of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions respond better to a higher power and a higher dosage, ...

How many joules does a laser have?

A 10-minute treatment with a 30-watt laser will produce 18,000 joules, which gives a significant pain relieving, anti-inflammatory and healing effect.”. Patients usually begin to feel better after 1 or 2 treatments, although 5 or more may be needed to resolve the problem. “The more chronic and extensive the injury the more treatments are usually ...

Is laser therapy covered by insurance?

High-power laser therapy is one of the fastest, most effective modalities therapists currently have to treat pain and inflammation. “Unfortunately, laser is not covered by insurance, and high-power lasers can be difficult to find because they are expensive.

Is laser acupuncture effective?

Trigger and Acupuncture Points: “Laser is particularly effective in extinguishing painful trigger points. It is also an effective way of stimula ting acupuncture points without the discomfort associated with needling.”.

Can laser therapy be used alone?

Laser therapy can be used as a stand-alone treatment, or with rehabilitative exercise therapy. “Rehabilitative exercises and laser therapy complement each other nicely,” explained Dr. Coren. There are a few precautions with laser therapy.

Can you use laser therapy on a pregnant woman?

There are a few precautions with laser therapy. Eye protection is required for both the patient and therapist, and laser should not be performed over malignancies, pacemakers, spinal stimulators or over the midsection of pregnant women. Recommendations.

What is laser therapy?

Laser therapies are medical treatments that use focused light. Unlike most light sources, light from a laser (which stands for l ight a mplification by s timulated e mission of r adiation) is tuned to specific wavelengths. This allows it to be focused into powerful beams. Laser light is so intense that it can be used to shape diamonds or cut steel.

How much does laser eye surgery cost?

stroke. Treatments can also be expensive and are therefore not accessible to everyone. Laser eye surgery can cost anywhere from $600 to $8,000 or more based on your healthcare plan and the provider or facility you use for your surgery.

How does laser light work?

In medicine, lasers allow surgeons to work at high levels of precision by focusing on a small area, damaging less of the surrounding tissue.

What wavelength is LLLT?

It uses laser light set to wavelengths between 600 and 980 nanometers. The laser is used to perform minor surgeries and promote regeneration in tissue. Programs exist that offer LLLT as an aid to quit smoking, but little evidence supports its use for this purpose.

Can lasers be used for cancer?

Lasers can have a cauterizing, or sealing, effect and may be used to seal: Lasers may be useful in treating the very early stages of some cancers, including: For cancer, laser therapy is usually used alongside other treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Laser therapy is also used cosmetically to:

What is the purpose of argon lasers?

Argon lasers also make shallow cuts and can be used to activate photosensitizing (light-activated) drugs during photodynamic therapy. This type of cancer treatment combines light with chemotherapy to kill more cancer cells.

Can laser surgery cause scarring?

If you have laser therapy, you may experience less pain, swelling, and scarring than with traditional surgery. However, laser therapy can be expensive and require repeated treatments.

What is cold laser therapy?

Cold Laser Therapy or Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a treatment that utilizes specific wavelengths of light to interact with tissue and is thought to help accelerate the healing process.

How long does a cold laser last?

The laser is placed directly over the injured area for 30 seconds to several minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated and the dose provided by the cold laser unit.

How does laser therapy help with arthritis?

Laser treatment for arthritis is a holistic therapy that you can use for pain relief, to reduce inflammation and stiffness from arthritis, tendonitis and bursitis. It is highly effective for pain relief and even causes a natural healing response from your body because it increases circulation and can break up calcified deposits in your joints.

What is the best laser for arthritis?

The best Arthritis Laser Treatment. You can also get small handheld LED infrared laser therapy device for arthritis that uses infrared light for healing. It is less expensive than the cold laser and works well for pain relief. It is the smallest model that actually works (see above image or visit PainX-1600 for more information.

How does a syringe work?

It works because it triggers and endorphin response from your body (your body’s natural pain relief hormone) while increasing circulation and reducing swelling and inflammation. It is now being used in many holistic wellness centers, chiropractic and natural medicine practitioner’s offices.

Does a syringe burn your skin?

It is safe and effective and does not burn your skin or underlying tissues. It is the exact wavelength that is needed to trigger a pain relief response from your body. You can use it every day and decrease the time and usage as your joints begin to heal.

Does laser therapy help with back pain?

Pulsed laser treatment provides quick relief from muscle strains, sprains, arthritis, bursitis, inflammation, fibromyalgia, neck pain and upper, middle and lower back pain. It can work quickly, without any of the harmful side effects of prescription medications.

Low Back Pain

Biochemical Effects

• There are a number of biochemical effects that have been observed with laser therapy/phototherapy.8,9 Several of these effects relate directly to the management of the patient with chronic low back pain. Three of the most prevalent features of patients suffering from chronic low back pain are inflammation, pain, and edema.6 Injured cells and tissue...

See more on practicalpainmanagement.com

Neurologic Response

Tissue Penetration and Saturation

Conclusion