Cold Laser Therapy and Fibromyalgia

By Robin P. Cohl, DC

Cohl Chiropractic Center

. https://cohlchiropractic.com/

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Cold Laser Therapy and Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is the third most diagnosed rheumatologic disorder, following osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Approximately 10-12% of the US population reports this chronic medical condition. FMS is characterized by widespread pain and tenderness, fatigue, morning stiffness, and sleep disturbance.
To receive a proper diagnosis of FMS the patient must meet the following diagnostic criteria 1) widespread pain in three of the four quadrants of the body with paraspinal pain for a minimum duration of three months, 2) tenderness or pain in at least 11 of 18 specified tender points when digital pressure is applied, according to the 1990 criteria by the American College of Rheumatology.
The onset of FMS in 50% of patients starts with an insidious pain and fatigue, and 60% of patients associate the onset with a traumatic event; emotional or physical in nature.
New research in FMS management includes cold laser therapy and the positive effect on modulating neurological pain patterns in the body. Cold laser therapy shows significant benefits in the management of chronic pain and FMS. The energy in the cells of our body requires the production of units of energy called ATP. Noxious stressors that may be emotional, chemical and physical in nature over stimulate nocioceptive receptors (pain sensors in the body). When pain patterns go unchecked over time by our bodies, the immune defense mechanisms are stressed and there is damage at the cellular level. Cell injury occurs from ATP depletion and increased free radical damage in our body tissues; neuromuscular pain in the case of FMS. Patients with this chronic medical condition experience low ATP production as fatigue, global achiness and soreness, and no energy to get through the days activities.
Cold laser works at a cellular level to enhance ATP production through light or photon energy. Maximum ATP production is generated in the bodys cells by laser light energy. Photon stimulation carries a significant potential for the amelioration of chronic pain with autonomic and neurovascular abnormalities.
Positive outcomes on cold laser therapy result in a diminished pain threshold as well as decreased muscle spasm, morning stiffness, and the total tender point number in FMS. Cold laser therapy is relatively new and the current research suggests that this therapy method is safe and an effective treatment for FMS and other chronic pain disorders.