For years, we have been accustomed to treating chronic pain with medication, physical therapy or surgery. However, there is now a new, groundbreaking approach that shows promise – green light therapy.
This therapy involves the use of green LED lights to improve chronic pain, a condition where pain persists beyond the expected time frame for healing. It could be due to an injury, illness or surgery, among other causes.
While it is not yet clear why green light therapy works, researchers suggest that the color green may have a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing pain sensation.
Green light therapy is non-invasive and comes with little risk of side effects. It is a simple enough process that can be done on an outpatient basis. Patients stand in front of a green LED light panel for a specified time period, usually around 30 minutes. Treatment could be carried out once or twice daily, depending on the pain level.
Several studies have been done on the efficacy of green light therapy in treating various types of chronic pain. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that patients with fibromyalgia who received green light therapy for one hour a day for 10 consecutive days reported a significant reduction in pain intensity.
Another study at the University of Arizona showed that green light therapy improved sleep quality and reduced pain severity in patients with chronic pain. Patients in this study reported that they were able to sleep better after the therapy sessions.
Green light therapy also holds potential for the treatment of migraines. A study published in the journal Brain showed that exposure to green light for two hours a day for ten days reduced the number of headache days, headache intensity and duration.
Green light therapy has no harmful side effects and can be safely used in conjunction with other treatments for chronic pain, such as medication or physical therapy.
However, it is important to note that green light therapy is still a relatively new approach that requires more research to fully understand its effects and limitations. Some studies have shown less promising results, and green light therapy may not work for everyone.
It is also crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before undergoing green light therapy, as it may not be suitable for some people. For instance, those with photosensitive epilepsy may be at risk of seizures.
Green light therapy is a new and promising approach to tackling chronic pain. As research continues to be done, it may become a mainstream treatment option for those suffering from chronic pain. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before undergoing green light therapy or any other treatment for chronic pain.
In the meantime, while we await more research on green light therapy, it is important to continue exploring alternative modes of treatment for chronic pain. This could include physical therapy, meditation, acupuncture, massage therapy, among others. A combination of treatments may also be more effective than any one therapy on its own.
Chronic pain affects millions of people across the world, and any new treatment options are worth exploring. Green light therapy is still in its infancy, but it holds the potential to provide pain relief for many individuals without the risks of invasive procedures or harmful side effects associated with medication.
