Introduction

Chronic back pain is one of the most common—and most frustrating—conditions patients face. It often persists even after surgery, leaving individuals feeling like they have no options left.

In my practice, I frequently meet patients who have undergone spinal surgery, only to be told afterward that chronic pain is something they must “learn to live with.” For many, this outlook feels discouraging and hopeless.

This is the story of one such patient—a woman with a history of lumbar fusions and chronic arthritis who found game-changing relief through photobiomodulation therapy (PBM).

The Patient’s Story

When she first came to see me, this patient had a long history of back issues. Years earlier, she had undergone multiple lumbar fusions to stabilize her spine. A surgical cage remained in her back, and her surgeon later explained that she had developed chronic arthritis in the region.

She was told her pain was permanent.

At the time of our consultation, she described her situation clearly:

• She could not sit in a car for more than five minutes without severe back pain.
• Traveling, visiting family, or even running errands was nearly impossible.
• Her quality of life was shrinking, and she felt trapped by her pain.

Despite years of treatment attempts, she had found no meaningful or lasting relief.

Understanding the Challenge

Back surgery, particularly lumbar fusion, can be life-changing for spinal stability. However, it is not without drawbacks.

• Adjacent segment disease: Fusion alters spinal mechanics, placing stress on neighboring joints.
• Hardware and scar tissue: The presence of cages, screws, or rods can contribute to inflammation and stiffness.
• Post-surgical arthritis: Over time, arthritis may develop at or near fusion sites, driving chronic pain.

For this patient, these factors combined to leave her with unrelenting discomfort and functional limitations.

A Different Approach: Photobiomodulation (PBM)

Instead of more medication or invasive interventions, we offered her photobiomodulation therapy (PBM)—also known as low-level laser therapy or red light therapy.

PBM uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate tissues and:

• Stimulate mitochondrial activity (the cell’s energy powerhouse)
• Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
• Improve blood flow and circulation
• Support tissue repair and regeneration
• Decrease nerve sensitivity, helping reduce pain perception

The treatment is non-invasive, painless, and requires no downtime. Many patients describe it as a warm, relaxing experience.

The Treatment Process

We recommended a short series of PBM sessions to target her lumbar spine.

• Session 1: She reported only minimal improvement. This is common—PBM is cumulative, and benefits often build over multiple sessions.
• Session 2: She was astonished to find her pain had been cut in half. Sitting was less difficult, and her mobility improved.
• Session 3: She reported that her pain was completely gone. For the first time in years, she felt like her back wasn’t controlling her life.
• Session 4: A final treatment was performed to promote further tissue healing and maximize long-term benefit.

The Results

The results were life-changing:

• She could sit comfortably in a car for over an hour without pain—something that had been impossible before.
• She was able to visit her son at college, a trip she had avoided for years because of her discomfort.
• Her sleep, mood, and overall activity levels improved dramatically.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect? The benefits lasted more than four years without the need for additional treatment. Only after this period did she return for another PBM session.

In her own words, she later described the therapy as “game changing.”

Why This Case Matters

This story highlights several key points for patients with chronic back pain:

1. Surgery isn’t always the end of the journey. Even after fusion, patients can develop arthritis, scar tissue, and persistent pain.
2. Chronic pain doesn’t have to be permanent. Despite being told her pain would never improve, this patient found long-term relief.
3. Non-invasive therapies have real value. PBM provided a safe, drug-free option with lasting results.
4. Functional improvements matter. It wasn’t just about pain relief—regaining the ability to travel and reconnect with family restored her quality of life.

The Science Behind PBM for Back Pain

Research supports the use of PBM in musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic low back pain. Clinical studies have shown that PBM:

• Reduces pain intensity in patients with degenerative disc disease and post-surgical back pain
• Improves mobility and flexibility by decreasing muscle spasms and joint inflammation
• Enhances healing at the cellular level by promoting ATP production (cellular energy) and reducing oxidative stress

For patients who have exhausted traditional options—or who want to avoid relying on long-term medications—PBM offers an evidence-based, non-invasive alternative.

What Patients Can Expect with PBM

Every patient responds differently, but here’s what most experience:

• Sessions are short (typically 10–20 minutes)
• Painless—most patients feel only gentle warmth
• Gradual improvement—often noticeable after 2–3 treatments
• Cumulative results—symptoms continue to improve with each session
• Durability—many patients experience long-term relief, as seen in this case

Practical Advice for Patients with Chronic Back Pain

If you’re struggling with chronic back pain—especially if you’ve had surgery or been told “nothing more can be done”—consider these steps:

1. Seek a comprehensive evaluation. A clinician can help determine whether PBM or other therapies are appropriate for your condition.
2. Set realistic expectations. Relief may not happen after the first session, but improvement often builds with each treatment.
3. Combine with healthy habits. Maintaining mobility, practicing core-strengthening exercises, and managing inflammation through diet can enhance results.
4. Think long-term. PBM is not just about short-term symptom relief; it promotes healing that can last years, as this patient’s story demonstrates.

Conclusion

Chronic back pain can be debilitating—especially for patients who have already undergone surgery and been told there are no further options. But this case demonstrates that there are alternatives worth exploring.

For this 35-year-old woman, photobiomodulation therapy delivered what years of conventional care could not: lasting relief, restored mobility, and a renewed sense of hope. After just four treatments, she experienced pain-free living that lasted more than four years.

Her words say it best: “This was game changing.”

If you or someone you love is struggling with post-surgical or chronic arthritis back pain, know that there are innovative, non-invasive treatments available. Photobiomodulation may be the key to unlocking a new chapter of comfort and function in your life.

Wor

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