How long does it take for red light therapy to work for back pain?
Red light therapy offers natural, non-invasive relief, helping with everything from inflammation to muscle recovery. But can it truly alleviate back pain? For the millions affected, back pain isn’t just discomfort—it’s a constant struggle.
In fact, nearly 65 million Americans report recent episodes, and around 16 million adults suffer from chronic pain that limits their daily lives. Discover how red light therapy may be the solution to reclaiming comfort and ease.
Is red light therapy good for back pain?
Yes, red light therapy (RLT) can be good for back pain. Research shows that it may help reduce pain and improve movement for people with chronic back issues.
For example, a study conducted in 2022 looked at how polarized light therapy affected patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. In this study, 42 participants were split into two groups.
One group received actual red light therapy, while the other group got a fake treatment. The results showed that those who received the real therapy experienced significant reductions in pain and sensitivity at specific points in their back compared to those who received the fake treatment.
Another study from 2014 investigated the effects of a specific type of red light therapy with a wavelength of 890 nanometers on chronic low back pain.
Participants received this therapy combined with heat treatments over two weeks. They reported meaningful improvements in their ability to move and felt less afraid to engage in physical activities.
This indicates that red light therapy can not only help reduce pain but also boost confidence in moving again.
Furthermore, a systematic review of multiple studies has concluded that low-level laser therapy, which encompasses red light therapy, is beneficial for alleviating chronic low back pain.
The evidence suggests that many individuals experienced decreased pain levels and enhanced mobility after undergoing RLT, making it a worthwhile alternative or complement to traditional treatments like medication and physical therapy.
Overall, these studies suggest that red light therapy is a promising treatment for managing back pain. Its non-invasive nature and low risk of side effects make it an attractive option for many looking for relief.
In summary, if you’re dealing with chronic back pain, red light therapy could be a good alternative worth considering.
Which Wavelengths Are Most Effective for Red Light Therapy in Treating Lower Back Pain?
Red light therapy can show results for back pain in approximately two weeks. A study by Ru-Lan Hsieh and Wen-Chung Lee (2013) found that patients with chronic low back pain experienced significant improvements after receiving three sessions per week of 890-nm light therapy combined with hot packs over two weeks.
Participants reported reduced disability and less fear of physical activity, demonstrating that red light therapy effectively manages back pain in a short timeframe.
How long does it take for red light therapy to work for back pain?
Red light therapy can show significant improvements in back pain relief within just a few weeks of consistent treatment.
For instance, a study conducted by Ru-Lan Hsieh and Wen-Chung Lee in 2013 examined the short-term effects of 890-nanometer light therapy on chronic low back pain.
They found that participants receiving this therapy reported notable reductions in pain and disability after just two weeks of treatment, indicating its effectiveness.
Similarly, research published in 2022 by Ghoufran Tukaram Shiryan and colleagues explored the benefits of polarized light therapy on myofascial trigger points in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain.
They observed significant improvements in pain intensity and overall back function after four weeks of treatment. These findings suggest that red light therapy can be a promising option for managing back pain effectively in a relatively short period.
Conclusion
Red light therapy presents a valuable option for alleviating back pain, leveraging its therapeutic effects to promote healing and reduce discomfort.
By integrating regular sessions into your wellness routine, you can enhance pain management and improve mobility, making it a beneficial addition to your back pain relief strategies.
References
https://hpi.georgetown.edu/backpain/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s43161-022-00085-9
