Nearly 20% of Americans suffer from chronic pain. However, in the U.S., back pain is most prevalent.
Unfortunately, treating back pain isn’t easy. Medication and physical therapy are cornerstones of pain management. But what about non-invasive alternatives?
Increasingly, physicians, physical therapists, and chiropractors are using red light therapy for back pain management.
Light therapy is believed to help chronic pain due to its anti-inflammatory and natural healing capabilities. In this form of therapy, red and near-infrared light are targeted at the area in pain. The muscles, nerves and tissues then absorb this light, triggering a cellular response, which may hold promise for relieving chronic pain.
Does red light therapy for back pain work?
Several randomized controlled trials have shown that light therapy may be effective for various types of musculoskeletal pain. However, this form of therapy is relatively new, and as such, the exact mechanisms and dosage guidelines are still an area of ongoing research.
Ultimately, though, red light therapy is safe and non-invasive. Therefore, it may hold promise as a complement to traditional back pain treatments. Keep reading to learn more about the science and benefits of red light therapy for back pain.
Understanding Back Pain
Back pain is a common ailment affecting people of all ages. Estimates say 80% of Americans will experience back pain in their lifetimes.
Causes
The causes of back pain are diverse, often involving a combination of factors. This makes it difficult to diagnose and to treat.
Some most common causes of chronic and acute back pain include:
- Injury: Muscle strains, ligament injuries, herniated discs, arthritis, and spinal stenosis are frequent causes of back pain.
- Lifestyle factors: Poor posture, obesity, and lack of exercise can contribute to or exacerbate back pain.
- Psychological factors: Stress and anxiety can amplify pain perception and hinder recovery.
Diagnosing the exact source of back pain can be challenging as symptoms often overlap. And often, a complementary approach that treats various aspects (like mindfulness and light therapy, combined with medication) may help treat symptoms.
Symptoms
Back pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, debilitating pain that significantly impacts daily life. With chronic pain, symptoms last more than three months.
Red light therapy may provide acute relief for back pain by temporarily reducing inflammation and increasing blood flow to the affected area. One study found that 6 treatments over two weeks of red light therapy (890nm) resulted in significant reductions in “severity of disability” for participants. Similarly, another study found that red light therapy offered immediate relief for acute neck pain after a single session.
However, red light therapy is not a magic bullet for back pain symptoms. Results in randomized trials have been mixed. A 2020 meta-analysis of multiple studies concluded there was no difference between photobiomodulation (e.g., the medical term for light therapy) and a placebo.
How Red Light Therapy Works
Red light therapy involves exposing the body to specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. Tissues and cells in the affected area absorb this light energy, which increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
Cells use ATP to perform various healing activities like tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation.
When applied to back pain, red light therapy may offer relief through several mechanisms:
- Soothing and relaxing tense muscles.
- Reducing inflammation, a major contributor to pain.
- Improving localized blood circulation, which may improve delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the affected area.
- Triggering natural healing responses like collagen production, which can aid in tissue repair.
Why Wavelength Matters for Pain Management?
Red light therapy uses a combination of red and near-infrared light. However, for back pain, near-infrared light may offer some key advantages:
- NIR wavelengths can penetrate deeper into the body tissues, reaching deeper musculoskeletal structures that may be contributing to back pain.
- Visible red light therapy wavelengths penetrate the outermost layers of skin, making them more suitable for skin conditions.
For optimal results when using red light therapy for back pain, a device that emits NIR wavelengths in the range of 850-950 nm is recommended.
Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Back Pain
Red light therapy offers a promising approach to managing back pain. By harnessing the power of light, it can address several underlying factors contributing to discomfort. Here are some key benefits for back pain:
1. Soothes and Relaxes Tense Muscles
Back pain often stems from tight, overworked muscles. Red light therapy can help alleviate muscle tension by promoting relaxation. The light penetrates the muscle tissue, increasing blood flow and reducing muscle stiffness. This can provide significant relief from pain caused by muscle spasms or chronic tension.
2. Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is a common culprit behind back pain. Red light therapy can help reduce inflammation by stimulating cellular repair and regeneration. By decreasing inflammation, the therapy can help alleviate pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with conditions like arthritis or muscle injuries.
3. Improves Circulation
Adequate blood flow is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the back muscles and tissues. Red light therapy can enhance circulation, promoting faster healing and reducing pain. Improved blood flow also helps remove waste products, reducing inflammation and muscle soreness.
4. Accelerates Tissue Repair
Back pain often involves tissue damage, whether from a sudden injury or chronic wear and tear. Red light therapy can stimulate the body’s natural healing processes by increasing collagen production. Collagen is a vital protein that strengthens connective tissues. This can lead to improved back flexibility and reduced pain.
Additional Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Back Pain
Ultimately, many of the benefits of photobiomodulation are still under investigation. Here are some additional ways that red light therapy may support back pain management:
- Pain Reduction: Perhaps the most obvious benefit, red light therapy can directly reduce pain perception by influencing pain receptors and the nervous system.
- Improved Sleep: Chronic pain often disrupts sleep patterns. Red light therapy may help regulate sleep cycles, leading to improved rest and reduced pain sensitivity.
- Mood Enhancement: Some studies suggest that red light therapy may have antidepressant-like effects, which can benefit those with chronic pain who often experience mood disturbances.
- Accelerated Recovery from Injury: For those with back injuries, red light therapy can potentially speed up the healing process by enhancing tissue repair and reducing inflammation.
Comprehensive Back Pain Treatment with Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is recommended as a complementary approach for back pain treatment. It should be used with traditional therapies for best results.
In general, there are several approaches to using red light therapy as a complementary tool for pain management. They include:
1. Adjunctive Therapy
Red light therapy can be used alongside medications, physical therapy, or other treatments to enhance their effectiveness. For example, physical therapy and red light therapy can have a synergistic effect that maximizes muscle tension and inflammation reduction. Similar benefits have been found when using red light therapy with exercise plan or massage therapy.
2. Reduced Medication Dependence
By providing pain relief and accelerating healing, red light therapy may help reduce the need for long-term pain medication use, potentially minimizing side effects. Red light therapy’s natural inflammation relief may also help make pain medications more efficient, reducing required dose.
3. Enhanced Physical Therapy Outcomes
Combining red light therapy with physical therapy can optimize results. The therapy can help reduce pain and inflammation, allowing patients to engage more effectively in physical therapy exercises.
4. Improved Quality of Life
Red light therapy can help to improve quality of life for people suffering from chronic and lower back pain. For example, red light therapy may help improve sleep and/or reduce anxiety and depression. Sleep disturbances and depression are both common symptoms of chronic pain.
Safety and Considerations
While red light therapy is typically considered safe, there are a few things to consider before using it for pain management. They include:
- Talk with a doctor. Before trying red light therapy, consult your physician. Given the diversity of pain causes and the potential interaction with medications (especially medication that may make you more sensitive to light), your doctor can help you integrate RLT safely.
- Follow recommended guidelines. Always adhere to the recommended treatment durations and guidelines from your healthcare professional or the device manufacturer. Overuse can cause skin irritation or burns.
- Listen to your body. Keep a close watch on your pain levels and skin reactions during and after treatment. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice anything out of the ordinary or if your pain worsens.
- Stop if you notice side effects. Occasional reported side effects, such as temporary skin warmth or minor instances of redness, typically subside without any lasting consequences. If you experience side effects, pause treatments and talk to your doctor.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Results may vary depending on the individual and the severity of the condition. Red light therapy isn’t a magic bullet for pain. It’s best used as an adjunct therapy.
- Consistency: Consistent use of red light therapy is often necessary to achieve optimal results. Although single sessions may offer acute pain relief, many see best results after multi-week courses of treatment.
Ultimately, individual responses to light therapy may vary, as its efficacy depends on various factors such as the specific pain condition, treatment administration, and personal variables.
Conclusion: Does Red Light Therapy for Back Pain Work?
Red light therapy may offer benefits for chronic back pain, but more evidence is needed to truly understand its role in pain management. Some studies suggest it can offer immediate and lasting relief, while others suggest it’s no better than a placebo.
That may change. This therapy continues to be researched, and our understanding of its exact mechanisms is now greatly improved.
Ultimately, it’s important to manage your expectations. Today, some of the most promising research on the topic suggests:
- NIR wavelengths tend to show the best results (typically above 850 nm).
- The power density of the light may influence outcomes.
- Consistency is key for lasting results.
- Red light therapy should be used as part of a comprehensive pain management plan.
Bottom line, it’s important to use professional grade LED light therapy equipment like Hue Light USA’s red light therapy bed, commercial RLT panel, or our best-in-class red light therapy mat.
