Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for Musculoskeletal Pain: Evidence-Based Benefits and Applications

Musculoskeletal pain is a significant health issue globally, affecting millions of individuals and leading to substantial healthcare costs, lost productivity, and reduced quality of life.

As chiropractors, we continuously seek effective and safe treatments to alleviate pain and enhance patient outcomes. One such promising therapy is Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as cold laser therapy, which I offer at my clinic.

This article explores the latest scientific research to look at the evidence-based benefits and applications of LLLT, especially concerning back and disc pain.

What is LLLT?

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as cold laser therapy or photobiomodulation (PBM), involves the use of low-intensity lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stimulate biological processes. Unlike high-power lasers used in surgeries, LLLT operates at low power, producing photochemical effects without generating heat.

The therapy involves applying light with wavelengths typically in the range of 600-1000 nm directed at specific areas of the body to induce therapeutic effects.

Mechanisms of Action

The primary mechanism through which LLLT exerts its effects involves the absorption of photons by cellular chromophores. This leads to a cascade of biological processes, including increased mitochondrial activity, enhanced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels. These changes collectively promote cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and enhance tissue regeneration.

Clinical Applications of Cold Laser Therapy

Cold Laser Therapy, also known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-intensity laser light to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue repair.

This therapy has been gaining attention for its potential applications in various clinical settings.

Back Pain and Disc Pain

Back pain, particularly caused by degenerative disc disease, is a prevalent condition that can significantly impair daily functioning. Traditional treatments include the use of medications, physical therapy, and surgery, each with associated risks and limitations.

A meta-analysis has highlighted the efficiency of LLLT in reducing postoperative pain and improving wound healing. The study found that signs of healing were significantly observed in operated areas receiving LLLT versus those not, indicating the potential effectiveness of LLLT in managing back and disc pain (Farida Abesi, 2023).

Musculoskeletal Pain

In addition to back pain, LLLT has shown effectiveness in treating various other musculoskeletal conditions. Research indicates that LLLT can reduce pain and inflammation, enhance tissue repair, and accelerate recovery from injuries.

For instance, a study by Chow et al. (2009) investigated the use of LLLT for neck pain and found that the therapy significantly reduced pain and improved functionality compared to placebo treatments. Similarly, a review by Haldeman et al. (2016) underscores the potential of LLLT in managing conditions like tendinitis, bursitis, and osteoarthritis.

Benefits of LLLT

How low level laser therapy benefits those who have musculoskeletal pain?

Let’s find out!

1. Non-Invasive and Safe

One of the most significant advantages of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is its non-invasive nature. The therapy involves using low-intensity laser light applied externally to the skin, which means there are no incisions, needles, or invasive procedures involved. This results in minimal discomfort for the patient during the treatment process.

Additionally, LLLT has a low risk of adverse effects, making it a safer alternative compared to more invasive treatments such as surgery or long-term medication regimens (Arjmand et al., 2021).

This safety profile is particularly appealing for individuals who might be looking to avoid the potential complications and extended recovery times associated with more invasive interventions.

2. Cost-Effective

In the context of rising healthcare costs, finding treatments that are both effective and affordable is becoming increasingly important. LLLT provides a cost-effective solution for managing pain and promoting healing. The upfront costs associated with LLLT are relatively low, and the therapy can lead to long-term benefits such as reduced pain, improved mobility, and diminished reliance on pain-relieving pharmaceuticals. By potentially decreasing the need for ongoing medication or more expensive surgical procedures, LLLT can offer significant savings for both patients and healthcare systems over time.

3. Evidence-Based

The effectiveness of LLLT is well-supported by a substantial body of scientific research. To date, over 4000 laboratory studies and numerous clinical trials have been conducted to investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of LLLT. These studies have consistently demonstrated the therapy's ability to reduce pain and inflammation, promote tissue repair, and enhance recovery in a variety of clinical contexts. This strong evidence base provides reassurance that LLLT is a reliable and effective treatment option, giving both clinicians and patients confidence in its use for managing various conditions.

Conclusion

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as cold laser therapy, presents a promising and effective treatment for musculoskeletal pain, particularly back and disc pain. Its non-invasive nature, coupled with robust scientific evidence, makes it a valuable addition to modern chiropractic care.

As a chiropractor in Adelaide, integrating LLLT into your practice can enhance patient outcomes and provide relief to those suffering from chronic pain conditions.

References

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10423948/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20meta%2Danalysis,receiving%20LLLT%20versus%20those%20not.

2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4743666/

3. Arjmand, B., Khodadost, M., Sherafat, S. J., Tavirani, M. R., Ahmadi, N., Moghadam, M. H., Okhovatian, F., Tavirani, S. R., & Rostami-Nejad, M. (2021). Low-Level laser therapy: potential and complications. Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, 12(1), e42. https://doi.org/10.34172/jlms.2021.42

4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7357616/