The mechanistic basis for photobiomodulation therapy of neuropathic pain by near infrared laser light

This study investigated the mechanistic basis of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Cell studies were conducted at an irradiance of 300 mW/cm2, then penetration measurements were conducted to determine the treatment power needed to deliver an irradiance of 270 mW/cm2. Finally, a pre-clinical investigation of rats with the spared nerve injury (SNI) pain model was conducted. A 270 mW/cm2 dose was delivered trancutaneously to the DRG and sciatic nerve in SNI rats. The higher irradiance was found to block the pain transmission. The authors propose a combination therapy with initial high irradiance/fluence rates for fast pain relief, followed by low irradiance/fluence rates for prolonged pain relief by altering chronic inflammation.

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