Highlights
- In this case report, a middle-aged adult with persistent low back pain reported a complete reduction in pain after a short PBM treatment series.
- Treatment used dual-wavelength red + near-infrared laser light applied over the low back muscles.
- Pain and disability scores improved to zero by the end of care.
- The patient also reported better mobility and “very much improved” overall status.
- No adverse effects were reported.
Patient snapshot
- 54-year-old male
- Low back pain after a motor vehicle accident
- Pain duration at presentation: ~6 weeks
- Baseline pain: 7/10 (Numeric Pain Rating Scale)
MRI findings were consistent with muscle spasm and inflammation, without structural damage.
PBM treatment (simple overview)
The patient received six PBM sessions over three weeks (2×/week).
Light was applied over the lumbar spine and paravertebral muscles using a dual-wavelength Class 3B laser system:
- Red light: 637 nm (pulsed 100 Hz)
- Near-infrared light: 808 nm (pulsed 100 Hz)
- Total energy delivered per session: 432 J
What changed
By the end of the six-session series:
- Pain: NPRS improved from 7/10 to 0/10
- Disability: Oswestry Disability Index improved from 44% to 0%
- Flexibility: Increased trunk range of motion
- Patient global impression: “Very much improved”
- Safety: no adverse events reported
Takeaway
This single-patient report offers a clear example of how a short course of non-invasive photobiomodulation was followed by large improvements in pain, function, and mobility — without reported side effects.
Because this is an individual case, it doesn’t prove PBM will work the same way for everyone. Still, it adds to the growing interest in PBM as a practical, well-tolerated option to support recovery and comfort in musculoskeletal pain.
Reference: Complete Remission of Chronic Low Back Pain Following Photobiomodulation Therapy: A Case Report.
Laser system: Avant Wellness LZ30 Pro Z.