Can Laser Therapy Help Chronic Low Back Pain?
- Julian Simpson
- 19 hours ago
- 4 min read
Written by Dr Julian Simpson — Chiropractor with 15+ years of experience, Board Member of the Chiropractic Australia Research Foundation, and author/reviewer of 800+ health articles.
Can Therapy Help Chronic Low Back Pain?
Chronic low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek healthcare, miss work or reduce physical activity. For many people in Sunbury, Melton and surrounding Melbourne suburbs, ongoing back pain can affect sleep, work, exercise and overall quality of life.
At Health Wise Chiropractic, we are always looking at evidence-based conservative treatments that may help patients manage pain naturally. One therapy receiving increasing research attention is Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy.
A large systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research investigated whether laser therapy could help people with nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) — one of the most common forms of persistent back pain.
Nonspecific chronic low back pain refers to lower back pain lasting longer than 12 weeks where no single clear structural cause can be identified.
Research shows:
more than two-thirds of people experience low back pain during their lifetime
approximately 1 in 4 people seek medical care for low back pain within a 6-month period
low back pain is considered the leading cause of disability worldwide
chronic low back pain accounts for a significant portion of musculoskeletal disability globally
The study also noted that:
around 3–10% of people with back pain develop chronic symptoms
annual medical costs associated with back pain exceed $91 billion
indirect costs from lost productivity and disability add another $50 billion annually
These statistics highlight why many people are searching for non-invasive alternatives to help manage chronic back pain.
Low Level Laser Therapy uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular activity and healing.
Unlike surgical lasers, LLLT:
does not burn tissue
is non-invasive
is designed to reduce inflammation and pain
may help support tissue repair
Research suggests the light energy may:
increase cellular energy production (ATP)
improve blood flow
reduce inflammatory chemicals
assist muscle recovery
help calm irritated nerves
At Health Wise Chiropractic, laser therapy may be combined with chiropractic care, massage therapy, spinal decompression and rehabilitation exercises as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
What Did The Research Find?
Key Findings
Significant Pain Reduction
The meta-analysis found:
a statistically significant improvement in pain scores in the LLLT group
weighted mean difference (WMD) of -13.57 on pain scales compared with placebo
no significant inconsistency between studies (I² = 0%)
The researchers concluded:
“LLLT is an effective method for relieving pain in nonspecific chronic low back pain patients.”
What About Function And Mobility?
Interestingly, the study found:
pain improved significantly
but disability scores and spinal range of motion did not consistently improve
Researchers suggested this may be because chronic low back pain is:
complex
multifactorial
influenced by muscles, joints, nerves, movement habits and lifestyle factors
This is important clinically because it reinforces that:
pain reduction alone is not enough
exercise and movement rehabilitation still matter
combined care approaches are often best
That’s one reason we often combine:
chiropractic adjustments
massage therapy
exercise rehabilitation
spinal decompression
laser therapy
rather than relying on a single treatment alone.
Why Many People Prefer Conservative Care
The research highlighted concerns with some traditional low back pain treatments, including:
gastrointestinal side effects from medications
cardiovascular risks
long-term reliance on pain medication
mixed long-term surgical outcomes
Laser therapy is becoming increasingly popular because it:
is non-invasive
does not involve medication
has a strong safety profile
may help support natural healing
The review also noted many patients seek laser therapy because it generally does not carry systemic cardiovascular risks or significant adverse effects.
Researchers believe several mechanisms may contribute to pain relief, including:
increased blood circulation
improved oxygen delivery to tissues
increased ATP (cellular energy) production
reduction in inflammatory cytokines
stimulation of natural opioid-like chemicals in the body
The study also discussed how wavelengths between 700nm and 1000nm appear most effective for deeper tissues like the lower back because of improved penetration.
Why Treatment Parameters Matter
One important finding from the review was that laser therapy outcomes can vary depending on:
wavelength
energy density
number of sessions
treatment frequency
application technique
This is why professional assessment and proper clinical protocols matter.
Research-supported wavelengths commonly fall within:
780–860nm
904nm
These ranges are commonly used for deeper musculoskeletal conditions.
Laser Therapy at Health Wise Chiropractic
At Health Wise Chiropractic, we focus on affordable, evidence-informed conservative care for people experiencing:
muscular tension
spinal dysfunction
Our clinics in Sunbury and Melton combine multiple therapies under one roof, including:
This integrated approach aims to improve both pain and movement outcomes while helping patients stay active.
Final Thoughts
This systematic review provides strong evidence that Low Level Laser Therapy may help reduce pain in people with chronic nonspecific low back pain.
The research found:
significant short-term pain reduction
good safety outcomes
positive results compared with placebo treatment
However, the study also highlighted that improving movement and long-term function likely requires a broader rehabilitation approach beyond pain relief alone.
About the Author
Dr Julian Simpson is an Australian chiropractor with over 15 years of experience in musculoskeletal healthcare and rehabilitation.
He is a Board Member of the Chiropractic Australia Research Foundation and has reviewed and written more than 800 evidence-based health articles focused on spinal health, rehabilitation, sports injuries and conservative care approaches.
His treatment focus includes:
Chiropractic adjustments
Sports chiropractic
Massage therapy
Shockwave therapy
Laser therapy
Non-surgical spinal decompression
Dr Simpson provides patient care through Healthwise Chiropractic, serving communities including Sunbury, Melton, Diggers Rest and surrounding regions.
reference
Huang Z, Ma J, Chen J, Shen B, Pei F, Kraus VB. The effectiveness of low-level laser therapy for nonspecific chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arthritis Res Ther. 2015 Dec 15;17:360. doi: 10.1186/s13075-015-0882-0. PMID: 26667480; PMCID: PMC4704537.
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