Introduction It is estimated that up to 40% of people experience sciatica at one time or another. While common, plenty of treatments are available for those suffering from sciatica. Red light therapy for sciatica is one such treatment that is gaining popularity today. Is this treatment as effective as it is claimed? What side effects must one be aware of before trying it out?
What Is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve runs from the hip to the leg until it reaches below the knee. The sciatic nerves, one for each side of the body, are the longest and by far. These are also the thickest nerves in the body, although it is not just a single nerve but rather a collection and bundle of nerves. These nerves are connected to the nerve roots that branch off from the end of the spinal cord.
Sciatica is the term for pain resulting from injury or irritation of the sciatic nerve. In addition to the pain, numbness, and a tingling sensation that starts at the buttocks and goes down to the leg, can also be part of sciatica.
The pain caused by sciatica can range from being mild to severe, and it can affect the lower back, the hips, legs, and buttocks, although there are cases when the symptom can affect even the toes and feet.
Like other conditions, there is not just one type of this condition. There are two kinds of sciatica:
True sciatica: This refers to a condition or an injury that affects the sciatic nerve. Sciatica-like conditions: Certain conditions can cause the same kind of pain as sciatica because it affects the sciatic nerve.
There are several things which can cause sciatica.
Slip disk Degenerative disk disease Spinal stenosis Foraminal stenosis Spondylolisthesis Osteoarthritis Injuries Pregnancy Tumors Cysts
These conditions can injure the sciatic nerve, which in turn will cause sciatica. As to the symptoms to look out for, here are some of the more common ones:
Pain Tingling sensation Numbness Weakness
Incontinence
While pain is by far the most common sciatica symptom, the more severe cases may experience incontinence and other conditions which can be a bit more inconvenient.
Red Light Therapy for Sciatica
Red light therapy for sciatica is an emerging form of treatment for the condition. This is a non-invasive therapy that uses low-level red or near-infrared light to stimulate cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and improve blood circulation.
Does Red Light Therapy Work for Sciatica? Yes, people agree that red light therapy works for sciatica. The treatment offers several distinct benefits.
The main benefit of red light therapy for sciatica is of course the alleviation of pain and other symptoms. The treatment has also been seen to improve the blood flow to the inflamed muscles, which might be feeling the pain caused by the condition. Another major advantage offered by red light treatment for sciatica is that it can help nerve repair, which is very important for the condition.
For those who have experienced red light therapy for sciatica, one of the main advantages that it offers is the fact that it can be administered at home. There are devices that one can buy and use at home. This increases the chances that a patient will not miss the needed session in order to achieve the relief offered by the device.
How to Use Red Light Therapy for Sciatica
Before using red light therapy for sciatica, it is best to consult with a physician first. That’s necessary to make sure that the procedure is going to be safe for the specific condition that you have. That being said, there are plenty of devices now that you can use in the comfort of your own home.
The first thing that you need to do when using red light therapy for sciatica is to identify the area where the red light will be applied. Usually, you will need to focus on the areas where you feel the most pain. That means you will target the lower back, hip, thigh, and calf.
The choice of the device that you are going to use is very crucial as well. There are many red light therapy devices being sold out there now, but not all are the same. More on this later as we will give a recommendation for a good device that you can get. The frequency and duration are other crucial aspects of using red light therapy for treating sciatica that you should be aware of. Around 10 to 15 minutes of exposure for each affected area is enough for most people who use this kind of treatment. Around 3 to 5 sessions each week is enough for the treatment to be effective. As with other treatments, consistency is the key with the use of red light. When using red light therapy for sciatica, you need to make sure that the device is 6 inches away from the skin so there is no overexposure. Because red light therapy is non-invasive and it doesn’t involve medications, it can be used with other treatments as well without any fear of side effects. Those other treatments include physical therapy and lifestyle changes.
How to Choose the Right Red Light Therapy Device Because there are a lot of red light devices available in the market now, you need an effective and proven method that can help you in choosing the right device. Here are a few pointers that you can use when looking for the right device to get.
Pick a device that offers hands-free usage or can focus on a specific area. The device should have enough power output to ensure that it can penetrate deep enough. Studies have shown that the 660-670 nm range is the most effective for sciatica treatment. So, pick a device that offers that range. Look for devices that have been developed through research and studies. Total Spectrum devices have a lineup of red light therapy tools that have been proven to be effective, not just for treating sciatica but other conditions as well.
Red Light Therapy for Sciatica Relief with Total Spectrum Devices Overview of the Total Spectrum Series for Sciatica Support If you’re still in the market for a red light therapy device, then the Total Spectrum series offers red and near-infrared light therapy tailored for different levels of sciatica treatment:
COMPACT : Nerve Stimulation and Daily Sciatica Management
The COMPACT model ensures healthy blood flow and a strong nerve function with 216 LEDs. It can be used for daily treatment.
MAX : All-Inclusive Treatment for Sciatica Support
The 360 LEDs of the Total Spectrum MAX allow for deeper penetration, it is ideal for stronger stimulation of the sciatic nerve.
ULTRA : Expert-Level Care for Prolonged Sciatica
The ULTRA comes with a total of 480 LEDs, and is ideal for stronger treatment.
ELITE : Maximum Coverage for Complete Sciatica Treatment
The strongest red light therapy device on the line up is the Total Spectrum ELITE, which also has the complete seven wavelengths and 864 LEDs in total. It offers maximum benefits when used constantly.
Red Light Therapy vs. Other Sciatica Treatments
Red light therapy utilizes near-infrared and low-level light to reduce stimulation and to repair nerve cells. As mentioned, it is a non-invasive option for treating sciatica, which is one of the main reasons why a lot of people opt for it now.
When choosing the best treatment for their condition, people may want to compare the different choices that are out there. Here are some comparisons between red light therapy and other treatments.
Sometimes, surgery may be required to treat sciatica. Unfortunately, surgery is connected with a lot of risks and requires a long recovery period. On top of that, surgery is often quite expensive. The use of red light therapy on the other hand, has none of that although it may require a longer period to work. Medications like muscle relaxants can work towards relieving the symptoms caused by sciatica, particularly the pain. However, like all medications, there is the threat of side effects which can be very dangerous. There are also injections available which can be used for treating sciatica. However, like other medications, these injections can also have side effects. As a non-invasive treatment, you don’t have to worry about that with red light therapy.
Clinical Study on Red Light Therapy for Sciatica and Nerve Pain Objective
A clinical study was conducted that looked into the effectiveness of red light therapy for sciatica. The aim of the researchers was to determine whether targeting specific nerve pathways with red light could reduce discomfort, pain, and other symptoms.
Results
The research involved patients who suffered from sciatica and other similar conditions. The participants were treated with a low-power helium-neon laser, applied over the skin in areas corresponding to the affected nerves. Out of the 26 patients, 19 reported noticeable pain relief after undergoing multiple sessions. Those in the placebo group experienced no significant improvement.
The researchers also said that they saw an increase in serotonin breakdown byproducts in the urine of patients who responded positively to the treatment. [1] This suggests that red light therapy may activate natural pain-blocking mechanisms in the body, although that cannot be confirmed just by the study itself.
So, does red light therapy work for sciatica based on the study?
Yes, in a way it confirms the fact that red light therapy for sciatica actually works. By directly stimulating affected nerve pathways and possibly enhancing serotonin-related pain management, this treatment could be a promising alternative for individuals struggling with sciatica.
FAQs: Addressing Common Questions
What is the best therapy for sciatic nerve pain?
Many would consider that red light therapy for sciatica is the best, mainly because it is non-invasive and can be done in the comfort of your own home.
Does red light therapy help nerve repair?
Yes, red light therapy for sciatica has been shown to help with nerve repair. Studies have shown that it is very effective in relieving the symptoms of this condition.
How long does red light therapy take to work for pain?
The effects of red light therapy would depend on a lot of factors, but many say that it takes around three sessions before they can feel the effects.
What is the fastest way to cure sciatica?
Studies suggest that red light therapy for sciatica is one of the fastest ways to cure sciatica. It is also non-invasive, which makes it better over other fast treatments, including surgery.
References Walker J. Relief from chronic pain by low power laser irradiation. Neurosci Lett. 1983 Dec 30;43(2-3):339-44. doi: 10.1016/0304-3940(83)90211-2.
1 comment
I just received the Red Light Therapy Belt. I want to use it for sciatica. Can I sit on it with it on to get to the area of my buttock that hurts? Otherwise, I would have to attach it around my hips and stand up?? Although it is still going to be touching my skin. How do you use it if it can’t touch your skin?