Low-Level Laser Therapy for Acute Pain: A Comprehensive Review

• Published in: Current pain and headache reports 2023-10, Vol.27 (10), p.607-613
• Main Authors: Lutfallah, Salim, Wajid, Irza, Sinnathamby, Evan S., Maitski, Rebecca J., Edinoff, Amber N., Shekoohi, Sahar, Cornett, Elyse M., Urman, Richard D., Kaye, Alan D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acute Pain - drug therapy; Acute Pain Medicine (R Urman; Adult; Analgesics; Anesthesiology; Anti-inflammatory agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Anxiety; Chronic pain; Cold; Dementia; Drug dosages; Edema; Headaches; Health sciences; Humans; Internal Medicine; Ketamine; Lasers; Low-Level Light Therapy; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Mental depression; Narcotics; Nervous system; Pain management; Pain Management - methods; Pain Medicine; Radiation; Section Editor; Topical Collection on Acute Pain Medicine
• ISSN: 1531-3433; 1534-3081
• DOI: 10.1007/s11916-023-01149-8

Purpose of Review An analysis of data conducted in 2015 by the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) found that an estimated 25.3 million adults (11.2%) have experienced pain every day for the preceding 3 months, and nearly 40 million adults (17.6%) have experienced a severe level of pain. Recent Findings Multiple reviews have analyzed the current management of acute pain; however, much of the current literature only focuses on pharmacological methods of analgesia, such as opiates, ketamine, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Publications that discuss non-pharmacological options often criticize the limitations of available research for these therapies, making further exploration of this type of treatment necessary. Summary The present investigation aims to summarize current knowledge on the use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), a cold laser non-pharmacological approach, in managing acute pain and to discuss important clinical findings and considerations when it comes to utilizing this treatment option in patients.