Sciatica

How low-level laser therapy can help with sciatica

Sciatica refers to back pain that usually affects just one side of the body. It radiates from the lower back to the hips, buttocks, and legs. It often starts with a herniated disk in the lower spine as a result of an injury or years of overuse. Overweight people are at risk of having extra pressure on their spine, which can cause the condition and pregnant women have a greater chance of getting a herniated disk. Other risk factors include heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, or diabetes, which can cause nerve damage. Most people who get sciatica are between 30 – 50 years old.

While most people with sciatica find short-term relief with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, as well as stretching exercises and cold packs placed on the painful areas, others need steroid injections, acupuncture, physical therapy, chiropractic care, or even surgery if the pain lasts for more than three months. Studies have found that low-level laser therapy at exactly 780 nm can significantly accelerate the regeneration of the injured peripheral nerve tissue, reduce hemorrhages and increase blood supply which helps in the healing process.

Source:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5642176