Abstract
Purpose of Review
An analysis of data conducted in 2015 by the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) found that an estimated 25.3 million adults (11.2%) have experienced pain every day for the preceding 3 months, and nearly 40 million adults (17.6%) have experienced a severe level of pain.
Recent Findings
Multiple reviews have analyzed the current management of acute pain; however, much of the current literature only focuses on pharmacological methods of analgesia, such as opiates, ketamine, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Publications that discuss non-pharmacological options often criticize the limitations of available research for these therapies, making further exploration of this type of treatment necessary.
Summary
The present investigation aims to summarize current knowledge on the use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), a cold laser non-pharmacological approach, in managing acute pain and to discuss important clinical findings and considerations when it comes to utilizing this treatment option in patients.
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Data Availability
All data described in this paper is publically available on papers index on pubmed.
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Richard Urman reports unrelated funding/fees from Medtronic, Merck, AcelRx, and Pfizer. Others report no competing interests.
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Lutfallah, S., Wajid, I., Sinnathamby, E.S. et al. Low-Level Laser Therapy for Acute Pain: A Comprehensive Review. Curr Pain Headache Rep 27, 607–613 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-023-01149-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-023-01149-8