Will Cold Laser Work on Slipped Disc in Lower Back: The Answer and Alternative

Quick Guide to Relief

• What is a Slipped Disc?
• Cold Laser Therapy: An Overview
• How Does Cold Laser Therapy Work?
• Expert Opinions on Cold Laser Therapy
• Risk Factors for Slipped Disc
• Treatment Options for Slipped Disc

What is a Slipped Disc?

A slipped disc, also known as a prolapsed or herniated disc, occurs when the soft cushion of tissue between the bones in your spine pushes out. This can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in your shoulders, back, arms, hands, legs, or feet. It's important to treat a slipped disc as soon as possible to avoid further complications.

Cold Laser Therapy: An Overview

Cold laser therapy is a treatment that uses low levels of light from a laser to stimulate healing. It's often used to treat back pain. The treatment is referred to as "cold" because the intensity is low enough not to generate heat.

How Does Cold Laser Therapy Work?

Cold laser therapy works by gently stretching the spine. This change takes pressure off the spinal disks, which are gel-like cushions between the bones in your spine. As a result, bulging or herniated disks may retract, taking pressure off nerves and other structures in your spine. This helps promote movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the disks so they can heal.

Expert Opinions on Cold Laser Therapy

According to Mr. Mo Akmal, one of London’s leading orthopaedic spinal surgeons, laser disc surgery is performed under local anaesthetic and mild sedation without the need for a skin incision. The procedure takes approximately 15 minutes, and the patient can mobilise shortly after the procedure and return to work on the following day.

Risk Factors for Slipped Disc

Factors that can increase the risk of a slipped disc include:

• Weight: Excess body weight causes extra stress on the disks in the lower back.
• Occupation: People with physically demanding jobs have a greater risk of back problems. Repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing, bending sideways and twisting also can increase the risk of a slipped disc.

Treatment Options for Slipped Disc

There are several treatment options available for a slipped disc. These include:

• Painkillers: Nonprescription pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or naproxen sodium (Aleve) can help manage pain.
• Neuropathic drugs: These drugs affect nerve impulses to decrease the pain. They include gabapentin (Gralise, Horizant, Neurontin), pregabalin (Lyrica), duloxetine (Cymbalta), or venlafaxine (Effexor XR).
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve strength and flexibility in your back.
• Decompression Belt: A decompression belt can provide relief by gently stretching your lower back. This helps take pressure off your spinal discs and promotes healing. You can find more about it below.