A Review of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury: Challenges And Safety

J Lasers Med Sci, 2020 · DOI: 10.34172/jlms.2020.59 · Published: October 3, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a central nervous system disorder that leads to motor and sensory impairments. The inflammatory response after SCI can worsen the damage. Low-level laser (LLL) therapy is proposed as a noninvasive way to reduce inflammation and improve neurological symptoms after SCI. Inflammation in the injured spinal cord is a physiological response that causes the death of glial and neuronal cells. The reduction of the initial inflammatory process after damage to the spinal cord is one of the important therapeutic strategies. Recently, the use of laser therapy, as a noninvasive procedure, has been considered one of the new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of wounds and burns, pain, osteoporosis, and periodontal diseases.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review Article

Key Findings

1
LLL therapy was able to reduce inflammation and also attenuate neuronal damage after spinal cord damage.
2
LLL can promote axonal regeneration and functional recovery in rat SCI.
3
LLL can regulate the inflammatory reactions, modulate the secondary damage, and reduce programmed cell death and edema in the primary phase of recovery.

Research Summary

The present study illustrates that LLL therapy has positive effects on improving functional recovery and regulating the inflammatory function in the SCI. According to the results of previous studies, LLL can promote functional recovery in a contusion model of the SCI, which can emphasize LLL application in CNS injury as a favorable non-invasive therapy for clinical usage. Experimental investigations in animals indicate that the use of LLL can decrease the post-traumatic inflammatory reactions and prevent the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) release and NF-κB activation.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

LLL therapy shows promise as a non-invasive therapeutic approach for managing SCI by modulating inflammation and promoting functional recovery.

Clinical Usage

The review supports the consideration of LLL application in CNS injury as a potentially favorable non-invasive therapy for clinical use.

Further Research

Further studies are warranted to optimize LLL therapy protocols, including wavelength, dosage, and timing, to maximize its effectiveness in treating SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The review relies on existing literature, which may have limitations in terms of study design, sample size, and heterogeneity.
2
The precise mechanisms of LLL therapy in SCI are not fully understood, requiring further investigation.
3
Clinical trials are needed to validate the effectiveness and safety of LLL therapy for SCI in humans.

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