How does photobiomodulation help relieve back pain?

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a method that uses light to alleviate pain, particularly back pain. This non-invasive procedure relies on the use of light diffused by LEDs or lasers to stimulate cells and promote the body's well-being. Thanks to its unique properties, photobiomodulation offers an alternative to conventional treatments, which can be more or less aggressive.

Back pain: a common problem

Back pain is a common problem for many people around the world. It can be caused by a multitude of factors, ranging from poor posture to more serious injuries.

Managing back pain often requires a multi-dimensional approach, integrating different types of therapy to achieve optimum results. Among these solutions, photobiomodulation stands out for its absence of side effects.

Principle of photobiomodulation

Photobiomodulation works by using light at specific wavelengths to penetrate the skin and reach underlying tissues. Cells absorb this light, increasing energy production in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This increase in cellular energy reduces inflammation and accelerates the tissue repair process, helping to relieve back pain.

Types of light used in photobiomodulation

Photobiomodulation uses two main types of light:

1. Light from LEDs (light-emitting diodes): LEDs are widely used in photobiomodulation for their ability to provide diffused, homogeneous light. They can cover a relatively large surface area.
2. Lasers: unlike LEDs, lasers produce coherent, concentrated light. They are useful for targeting specific, deep-seated areas.

How do photobiomodulation sessions work?

Photobiomodulation sessions are generally short, ranging from a few minutes to half an hour, depending on the area to be treated and the severity of the pain. Individuals may feel an improvement after just a few sessions, but in most cases it takes several weeks to achieve good results.

A photobiomodulation session consists of a few steps:

1. Initial assessment: the practitioner evaluates back pain and determines the areas to be treated.
2. Light application: red or infrared light is applied to the skin using devices specially designed for photobiomodulation.
3. Light absorption: cells absorb light, stimulating biological processes that reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation.

Benefits of photobiomodulation for back pain

Photobiomodulation offers many benefits for those suffering from back pain:

• Reduced inflammation: light reduces inflammation and helps manage pain more effectively.
• Improved blood circulation: by increasing blood flow, photobiomodulation helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to damaged tissue.
• Faster tissue repair: cells receive more energy to repair themselves, reducing recovery time.
• Non-invasive and pain-free: unlike other treatments, photobiomodulation is non-invasive and pain-free during sessions.

Specific use cases

Photobiomodulation is used to manage a variety of back-related problems, such as :

• Muscle pain: light reduces muscle tension and spasm, improving mobility.
• Chronic inflammation: for individuals suffering from chronic inflammation, photobiomodulation helps relieve symptoms.
• Tissue damage: following a sports injury or accident, light stimulates the regeneration of damaged tissue.

Comparison with other therapies

Photobiomodulation stands out for its non-invasive approach and minimal side effects. Unlike treatments such as medication or injections, there are no risks associated with prolonged use of drugs.

On the other hand, photobiomodulation sessions can be easily integrated into a pain management routine, with no interruption to daily activities.

Integration of PBM into an overall care plan

For excellent results, photobiomodulation can be integrated into an overall care plan for back pain management. By combining this therapy with strengthening exercises, relaxation techniques and ergonomic adjustments, individuals can significantly improve their well-being.