Red light therapy and pain

Near-infrared light and pain

Pain can be caused by many things, and inflammation is usually a component. Therefore, it is obvious that the reduced inflammatory processes play a major role. The accelerated healing also makes a difference as it is actually a shorter period during which the body needs to defend itself with pain. However, red light therapy also has an effect on chronic pain caused by something other than an acute injury. In fact, it seems that it is primarily the near-infrared light (NIR), which penetrates deeply, that has the best pain-relieving effect. In a study that followed 40 patients for six years, a significant reduction in back pain was shown, without any side effects (1). They used portable devices that emitted only NIR, but those who have a small handheld device that also emits red light can use it. The red light does no harm, and may even help with pain relief. In fact, one of the reasons for the pain relief is an increase in endorphins, which are the body's own morphine, but on the body's terms, and this is stimulated by red light. A positive aspect of using only near-infrared light is that it is not visible to the naked eye, as it lies just outside the visible light spectrum. This means that a person who needs to treat themselves among other people can do so without disturbing them or drawing unwanted attention. Most more advanced lamps have a function that allows you to choose one or the other type of light separately, and then you can take an NIR treatment whenever needed. I see it as a direct alternative to painkillers; if you have moderate pain, I would argue that the effect is equivalent, but without side effects. Using painkillers regularly can lead to a lowered pain threshold and that one simply feels pain more easily. If the pain is severe, it can also be seen that painkillers in combination with red light therapy are more effective than medication alone.

More research on pain and Red Light Therapy

If you are still not convinced that red light therapy is pain-relieving, here are more substantial scientific proofs. In a large review article, the research was examined and out of 22 studies, 19 showed an effect (2). It was observed that biochemical markers for inflammation and pain decreased, such as PGE2, Cox 2, IL-1-beta, and TNF-alpha. Additionally, oxidative stress, swelling, and bleeding decreased in a dose-related manner. The study also concluded that red light therapy was as effective as NSAID preparations (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, nabumetone, and acetylsalicylic acid), and that is exactly how I see it. Do a red light treatment instead of popping pills. Healthier, cheaper, and safer. The article's conclusion was that red light therapy can affect inflammatory processes and that it was more effective to treat a bit longer and stronger, so use the lamp locally on the painful areas and don't be stingy with the treatment time. Excesses are obviously not good, but since the treatment works while it is ongoing, you will probably feel when it's time to stop. Otherwise, use the panel for the maximum recommended treatment time and do not exceed it for safety's sake. In one study, it was observed that pulsed light could be even a bit more effective for pain relief (3), and that is logical since it actually penetrates deeper into our tissues.

1. George D Gale, MBBS FRCA FRCPC DAAPM,1 Peter J Rothbart, MD FRCPC,1 and Ye Li2 Infrared therapy for chronic low back pain: A randomized, controlled trial. Pain Res Manag. 2006 Autumn; 11(3): 193–196.
2. Jan Magnus Bjordal 1, Mark I Johnson, Vegard Iversen, Flavio Aimbire, Rodrigo Alvaro Brandao Lopes-Martins. Low-level laser therapy in acute pain: a systematic review of possible mechanisms of action and clinical effects in randomized placebo-controlled trials. Photomed Laser Surg. 2006 Apr;24(2):158-68. doi: 10.1089/pho.2006.24.158.
3. Ana Paula Fernandes De Angelis Rubira 1, Marcelo Custódio Rubira 2, Lucas De Angelis Rubira 3, Josielli Comachio 4, Maurício Oliveira Magalhães 1, Amélia Pasqual Marques 1 Comparison of the effects of low-level laser and pulsed and continuous ultrasound on pain and physical disability in chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Adv Rheumatol. 2019 Dec 17;59(1):57.

The studies and research presented here are conducted by independent researchers and institutes. Nutrilight does not fund these studies and has no connection to their execution. These studies generally concern photobiomodulation and are not specifically related to Nutrilight's products.