Laser Therapy for Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain is a common condition that affects many people each year, causing discomfort and even a limited range of motion. Traditionally, chronic back pain is often treated with invasive procedures or even spinal surgery. With continuing advancements in technology, laser therapy has become an effective and non-invasive chronic back pain treatment alternative.

Utilizing state-of-the-art laser technology, low-level laser treatments for chronic back pain can improve uncomfortable symptoms and restore a proper range of motion. One of the best benefits of laser therapy for chronic back pain is that it’s non-invasive, meaning patients often have a significantly shorter recovery time than patients who undergo traditional treatments or surgery.

What Is Chronic Back Pain?

Back pain is a common medical condition numerous individuals may face at some point in their lives. Many cases of back pain are acute, which means they may develop suddenly due to an injury or accident, but the pain typically doesn’t last longer than six months. On the other hand, chronic back pain is when the pain may occur in episodes or persists for an extended amount of time.

Chronic back pain may come, go or even remain persistently without relief. In severe cases of chronic back pain, patients may experience difficulty performing daily activities and even walking or sitting. There are many potential causes of chronic back pain, including:

• Herniated or ruptured discs: The spinal discs are the pads between the spine’s vertebrae that help prevent the spinal bones from grinding against one another. A slipped, herniated or ruptured disc can cause severe chronic back pain.
• Arthritis: Spinal arthritis can cause inflammation along the facet joints in the spine and the sacroiliac joints situated between the spine and pelvis. Spinal arthritis can be painful and cause chronic symptoms.
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis of the spine occurs from long-term wear and tear on the cartilage of the joints and discs of the spine. In some cases, spinal osteoarthritis can cause spurs to develop, putting pressure on the nerves leaving the spinal column.
• Muscle or ligament strain: Repeated or sudden movements can strain the muscles and ligaments of the back, damaging the surrounding structures. A muscle or ligament strain can cause severe ongoing pain and discomfort until it’s treated appropriately.

Sections of the Spinal Column

There are four areas of your spinal column, each with a different name and region. Understanding what portion of the spine you’re experiencing chronic pain in is the first step towards receiving adequate treatment. The four sections of the spine include:

• Cervical spine: The cervical spine refers to the uppermost portion of the spine along the neck region consisting of seven vertebrae, separated by intervertebral discs.
• Thoracic spine: The thoracic spine is in the middle and upper back and contains 12 vertebrae.
• Lumbar spine: The lumbar spine is composed of five vertebrae located in the lower portion of the spinal column.
• Sacrum: The sacrum is positioned at the base of the lumbar spine and connects to the pelvis. The sacrum helps to stabilize the pelvis and forms the posterior pelvic wall.

Laser Therapy for Chronic 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.

Approximately 65 million Americans have reported a recent episode of back pain. With back pain being a widespread issue, innovative non-invasive treatments are often necessary to alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life. Cold laser treatments utilize precise laser technology that allows physicians to target the source of back pain to promote healing and improve symptoms. As a result, patients can reduce their back pain without many of the downsides that come with traditional surgeries and other treatment methods.

Effectiveness of Lasers for Chronic Back Pain

Laser treatments for chronic back pain can alleviate pain, discomfort and limited mobility associated with low back pain. While one of the most obvious and beneficial aspects of laser treatments is that they can provide pain relief, laser treatments also offer other health benefits.

• Precise and quick: Low-level laser therapy can target the source of back pain with the utmost precision. As a precise treatment option, cold laser therapy is an effective procedure that a physician can perform quickly and efficiently.
• Non-pharmacological: Traditional non-invasive back pain treatments often use pain medicine, such as opioids, which can be dangerous and lead to dependency. Low-level laser treatments can offer relief from chronic back pain without introducing pain medication.
• Safe and effective: Cold laser treatments are a safe, non-invasive treatment for back pain with little to no potential side effects or complications. An effective chronic back pain treatment, low-level laser therapy doesn’t use surgical incisions to relieve back pain.
• No downtime: Because cold laser therapy is a non-surgical and non-invasive treatment option, patients can quickly return to their daily activities and often experience little to no downtime.
• Customizable: Another unique aspect of laser treatments is that they’re fully customizable, so a doctor can alter the treatment to fit their patients’ specific needs for the procedure.
• Endorphin release: The technology used during a low-level laser treatment can trigger the release of endorphins. A release of endorphins can help minimize pain and discomfort throughout the back and body.
• Inflammation and swelling: A laser treatment can help reduce inflammation, swelling and edemas. Inflammation within the back often places pressure on tender muscles, tissues and nerves, which can cause or worsen chronic back pain.
• Muscle and nerves: Cold laser therapy can help damaged muscle tissue and nerves. By increasing the production of growth factors, low-level laser therapy can stimulate the nerves and muscles to heal, improving painful symptoms related to a muscle or nerve injury.
• Blood flow: Proper circulation is an essential aspect that helps your body heal. Low-level laser treatments can stimulate local circulation to restore proper blood flow and healing processes.

Low-Level Laser Treatments for Chronic Back Pain

At Erchonia®, we believe in the seemingly limitless potential use and applications of low-level laser technology. Our team is committed to advancing cold laser treatments through the scientific and clinical research that has transformed our company into a world leader in the field of low-level laser technology. We’re proud to offer the most innovative, state-of-the-art lasers with a continued commitment to quality, integrity and diligence.

Related Reading: How Does Laser Therapy Work for Pain?

Find a ProviderBecome a Provider

How Erchonia Low Level Laser Therapy Works