Low-level Laser Therapy As A Treatment for Chronic Pain, Migraines and Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (Jaw Pain)

migraine treatment, TMJ treatment, Jaw therapy, laser therapy wellington, headache treatment wellington

The International Association for the Study of Pain defines chronic pain as ‘An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage’. Chronic pain is pain that persists or recurs for longer than three months. Such pain often becomes a major problem in some patients. In recent years, the exponential rise of chronic pain has been the leading cause of global disability and disease burden. Worldwide, 1.9 billion people were affected by recurrent tension-type headaches.

Furthermore, when measuring years lived with disability, chronic low back and neck pain has been the leading cause of disability internationally. While being such a common issue, the reasons why some people are more prone to it and what factors lead to chronic pain are considered by many to be mysterious. At Featherston St Pain Clinic, we beg to differ and find that there are many instances where the reasons for a person’s pain can be uncovered and successfully managed. Medications have been proven beneficial in improving the quality of life of those suffering from chronic pain, temporomandibular joint dysfunction and migraines. Yet often at a terrible cost. Low-level laser therapy could provide a non-invasive, pain-free and non-toxic treatment option without the consequential impacts of prolonged medication use. 

How Does Low-Level Laser Therapy Work?

The use of low-level laser therapy for treating chronic pain, reducing inflammation levels, and promoting healing in the deeper soft tissues has been going on for over forty years. Unlike other forms of laser therapy, LLLT doesn’t have a thermal mechanism of action but rather a photochemical effect, meaning the light causes a molecular change in the soft tissue when absorbed. LLLT is defined as low-level because the optimum energy levels required for relief in chronic pain, migraines and temporomandibular joint dysfunctions are comparably low compared to other forms of laser therapy. 

While having multiple mechanisms of action in relieving pain, such as its biological influence on Cytochrome C Oxidase, the initial impact of light therapy is primarily on the mitochondria within the cells, leading to an increase in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, induction of transcription factors and modulation of reactive oxygen species. This leads to both an increase in cell proliferation and migration. In layman’s terms, the mitochondria are a cell’s powerhouse, and ATP is like a lithium in a battery. . Low-level laser therapy on damaged soft tissue causes a metabolic boost in healing factors. It works similarly to a cortisone shot without all the nasty side effects that come with it. This promotes wound healing in the deeper tissues in a safe manner.  

laser therapy

How Does Low-Level Laser Therapy Work?

The use of low-level laser therapy for treating chronic pain, reducing inflammation levels, and promoting healing in the deeper soft tissues has been going on for over forty years. Unlike other forms of laser therapy, LLLT doesn’t have a thermal mechanism of action but rather a photochemical effect, meaning the light causes a molecular change in the soft tissue when absorbed. LLLT is defined as low-level because the optimum energy levels required for relief in chronic pain, migraines and temporomandibular joint dysfunctions are comparably low compared to other forms of laser therapy. 

While having multiple mechanisms of action in relieving pain, such as its biological influence on Cytochrome C Oxidase, the initial impact of light therapy is primarily on the mitochondria within the cells, leading to an increase in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, induction of transcription factors and modulation of reactive oxygen species. This leads to both an increase in cell proliferation and migration. In layman’s terms, the mitochondria are a cell’s powerhouse, and ATP is like a lithium in a battery. . Low-level laser therapy on damaged soft tissue causes a metabolic boost in healing factors. It works similarly to a cortisone shot without all the nasty side effects that come with it. This promotes wound healing in the deeper tissues in a safe manner.  

What Are The Benefits of Low-Level Laser Therapy? 

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been shown to reduce inflammation and edema, reduce pain, and promote healing in various musculoskeletal pains. While it has long been used to combat pain caused by inflammation, in more recent years, it is a potential treatment plan for those suffering from chronic migraines.

 A recent study evaluated patients with chronic migraines treated with low-level laser therapy (LLLT), referencing: pain days, pain intensity, intake of drugs/self-medication, anxiety and sleep disorders. The study revealed that laser therapy was beneficial in reducing the frequency of symptomatic days, decreasing the severity of the migraines, and reducing the number of additional medications/treatments subjects had to take. Furthermore, one specific area in which LLLT was extremely helpful compared to other treatments was reducing the sleep disturbance caused by migraines. A study in 2016 was conducted to assess the efficacy of low-level laser therapy in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). The study revealed that laser therapy significantly reduced pain intensity levels from an average of 9.1 to 3.3 out of 10. Furthermore, individuals had elevated serotonin levels that persisted for over three days post-treatment using LLLT. While further research is needed, this could be a promising low-risk treatment for those seeking relief from TMJ pain, migraines, and other musculoskeletal pains. 

If you have questions regarding low-level laser therapy or any other treatment options we have, don’t hesitate to give Featherston Street Pain Clinic a call on 04 385 6446.

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