If you experience chronic neck or back pain, finding relief is often easier said than done. Common treatments like pain medication and surgery come with a range of side effects that may be worse than the pain condition itself. That’s why so many people are looking into laser therapy for pain relief. 

Lasers have been used medicinally for some time. They have applications in cancer treatments, vision improvement, the removal of kidney stones, as well as many other procedures. If you’re curious about laser therapy and whether it's right for you, here is some basic information to get you started. 

What Is Laser Therapy?

Lasers are ultra-focused beams of light, and different wavelengths of light can be used for different purposes. For example, some lasers are so powerful they can cut through steel. The wavelengths used for therapeutic purposes are far less powerful, although equally effective for their intended purposes. 

The type of laser used varies depending on the procedure being performed. Cold laser therapy, which is used to treat muscle sprains and inflammation, uses low-level red and near-infrared light aimed directly at the treatment area. Conversely, carbon dioxide lasers are used to remove cancerous and non-cancerous growths from the skin, as well as improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles. LASIK surgery is another type of laser surgery that is very popular for improving eyesight by correcting refractive errors. 

How Does It Relieve Pain?

Laser therapy treats back pain and other issues in a few different ways. It decreases the sensitivity of surrounding nerves by triggering a release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals. It also lowers the level of bradykinin peptides, which increase your pain perception and induce inflammation. 

Laser treatments also accelerate cell repair by increasing adenosine triphosphate, which provides energy to the cells. This lowers inflammation and speeds up healing after injuries. The reduction of scar tissue is another benefit provided by laser therapy. Scar tissue forms after a major injury or surgery and can reduce the range of motion and increase sensitivity in the affected area. 

Cutting edge treatments for back pain must be afforded by a skilled and experienced pain management clinic. This is what Advanced Medical & Wellness Center, Inc. provides patients in Dayton, OH. On your first visit, they’ll sit down with you to discuss the best possible treatment for your symptoms and condition. In addition to advanced treatments like laser therapy, they also provided chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage, and physical therapy. Schedule an appointment by calling (937) 427-2225 today or visit the website to learn more about laser therapy.