Can Red Light Therapy Cause Headaches?

Throbbing pain, pressure in your head, and sudden sensitivity to light, these classic headache symptoms can leave you sidelined. But what if your new wellness habit, red light therapy, is the culprit? 

Headaches aren’t just annoying, they can signal deeper issues and ruin your day. Could your glow-up routine be to blame? Let’s uncover the truth behind red light therapy and head pain.

• Start Low and Slow: Ease into red light therapy with shorter sessions and lower intensity.
  
  

• Protect Your Eyes: Always wear proper goggles to avoid eye strain and light-triggered headaches.
  
  

• Stay Hydrated: Drink water before and after sessions to reduce the risk of dehydration-related headaches.
  
  

• Watch for Triggers: If you're prone to migraines or light sensitivity, monitor how your body reacts.
  
  

• Check Your Setup: Use correct wavelengths, maintain good posture, and be mindful of session timing.

Some people feel dizzy or develop a headache after red light therapy, though it’s not very common. 

If you're prone to migraines or light sensitivity, the brightness or intensity might be a trigger. 

Fortunately, these symptoms can usually be managed by adjusting session settings, taking breaks, staying hydrated, and listening to your body.

If you're sensitive to light, red light therapy could trigger discomfort. Bright or intense exposure may be irritating during or after sessions. Using lower intensity and shorter durations can help reduce the risk.

• Using too much or the wrong kind of light can cause headaches: If the light is too strong or not suitable for your body, it can lead to discomfort or trigger headaches during red light therapy. High intensity or incorrect wavelengths may overstimulate your skin or nervous system, turning a healing session into something irritating or painful.

• The right type of light can actually reduce headache pain: Not all light causes problems, when the wavelength is correct, it can be a solution instead of a problem. A study using an 830-nm infrared laser on people with jaw-related pain showed a 64% drop in discomfort. This proves that the right setting can help manage and reduce headache symptoms.

• Correct light settings help your body recover, not react: When adjusted properly, red light therapy doesn’t just avoid headaches, it boosts healing. It improves blood flow and increases serotonin levels, which helps manage pain and improves how you feel overall.

• Everyone’s body reacts differently, so settings need to be personalized: Because people respond differently to light, the therapy settings should be customized. With the right intensity and wavelength, you can avoid side effects like headaches and enjoy more effective and comfortable sessions.

Spending too much time under red light can lead to tension or fatigue. Most sessions are recommended to be around 10 to 20 minutes. 

Gradually increasing time can help your body adapt without triggering discomfort.

• People who already get headaches might feel worse with red light: If you often get migraines or headaches, red light therapy might actually make them stronger. Those with sensitive nerves or brain conditions should talk to a doctor before using it.

• Red light can still help if used the right way: When used properly and with medical advice, red light therapy may help blood flow and reduce how often migraines happen, and how painful they feel.

• Red light may ease headaches caused by swelling or stress: If your migraines come from muscle tension or inflammation, red light might help by treating the cause, not just hiding the pain.

Sitting or lying in an awkward position during therapy can strain your neck and shoulders, potentially leading to headaches. 

Maintain good alignment, keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and head supported.

• Lack of Hydration Can Lead to Headaches: Lack of hydration can impact blood flow and brain function, making you more prone to headaches. Drink water before and after your session to stay hydrated and support your body’s healing process.

• Hydration Can Help Mitigate Sleep Disruptions After Therapy: Some people report difficulties sleeping after red light therapy sessions, possibly due to the way the therapy interacts with your body’s systems. Staying hydrated can help mitigate these effects and ensure a smoother experience during and after your session.

• Intense Red Light Can Cause Eye Strain: Exposure to intense red light can put a strain on your eyes , leading to headaches and discomfort.

• Strong LED Light May Harm Your Eyes: Staring directly at a strong red LED light can cause harm to your eyes and even affect your long-term vision.

• Proper Eye Protection Prevents Strain: Wearing special goggles during red light therapy helps reduce eye strain and protects your eyes from potential damage.

• Eye Protection Ensures Maximum Benefits: Using proper eye protection allows your skin to get the full benefits of red light therapy while keeping your eyes safe.

Before blaming red light therapy, consider other potential headache triggers like dehydration, stress, poor sleep, screen overuse, or sinus issues. 

If you’ve recently changed your therapy intensity or duration, that may also be contributing. Be mindful of your overall routine and environment.

• People with Neurological Conditions Are More Likely to Get Headaches: People with neurological conditions, including epilepsy, may be more sensitive to light, leading to headaches during red light therapy.

• Migraines and Light Sensitivity Increase Headache Risk: If you suffer from migraines or light sensitivity, you are more likely to experience headaches during red light therapy.

• Sinus Headaches May Be Triggered Near the Face: Applying red light near the face can trigger sinus headaches for those who are prone to them.

• Emotional Stress Makes You More Susceptible to Headaches: If you're stressed, you're more likely to experience headaches during red light therapy.

• Quality Treatment Centers Offer Flexibility for Headache Sufferers: Good treatment centers will reschedule your session if you're experiencing a headache or migraine, especially if you’re light-sensitive.

• High-Frequency Use or Intense Settings Can Trigger Headaches: High-frequency use or intense settings may overwhelm sensitive individuals, leading to headaches or discomfort.
  
  
• Longer Sessions Can Increase Headache Risk: Extended sessions can increase the likelihood of headaches, especially if you're not used to the therapy.
  
  
• Start with Moderate Intensity and Shorter Sessions: Begin with moderate intensity and shorter sessions to allow your body to adjust and avoid discomfort.
  
  
• Stick to the Safe Range for Best Results: Using devices within the safe range of 620 to 700 nanometers helps prevent overstimulation and discomfort.
  
  
• Gradually Increase Session Duration and Frequency: As your body gets used to the therapy, slowly increase the duration and frequency for a more comfortable and effective experience.

Pay attention to when your headaches occur relative to therapy sessions. If they consistently follow treatment, red light may be a trigger. 

Track any recent changes in your routine, such as increasing intensity or extending session time. 

Keeping a headache journal can help you identify patterns and make informed adjustments.