Photobiomodulation: Implications for Anesthesia and Pain Relief
Publication: Photomedicine and Laser Surgery
Volume 34, Issue Number 12
Abstract
Objective: This review examines the evidence of neural inhibition as a mechanism underlying pain relief and anesthetic effect of photobiomodulation (PBM). Background: PBM for pain relief has also been used for more than 30 years; however, the mechanism of its effectiveness has not been well understood. Methods: We review electrophysiological studies in humans and animal models and cell culture studies to examine neural responses to PBM. Results: Evidence shows that PBM can inhibit nerve function in vivo, in situ, ex vivo, and in culture. Animal studies using noxious stimuli indicate nociceptor-specific inhibition with other studies providing direct evidence of local conduction block, leading to inhibited translation of pain centrally. Evidence of PBM-disrupted neuronal physiology affecting axonal flow, cytoskeleton organization, and decreased ATP is also presented. PBM changes are reversible with no side effects or nerve damage. Conclusions: This review provides strong evidence in neuroscience identifying inhibition of neural function as a mechanism for the clinical application of PBM in pain and anesthesia
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Photomedicine and Laser Surgery
Volume 34 • Issue Number 12 • December 2016
Pages: 599 - 609
PubMed: 27419354
Copyright
Copyright 2016, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
History
Published in print: December 2016
Published online: 1 December 2016
Published ahead of print: 15 July 2016
Accepted: 9 March 2016
Received: 17 October 2015
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No competing financial interests exist.
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