FDA Findings Reinforce Need for Drug-Free Pain Management

Recent warnings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have many patients and practitioners alike rethinking their approach to chronic pain management. The FDA recently strengthened its warning that non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke. In a statement dated July 9, 2015, the FDA stated that “the risk of heart attack or stroke can occur as early as the first weeks of using an NSAID. The risk may increase with longer use of the NSAID. There is an increased risk of heart failure with NSAID use.” 1 Examples of NSAIDs include arthritis treatments such as Celebrex and many common over-the-counter medications including naproxen (as found in Aleve) and ibuprofen (as found in Motrin and Advil).

The report also stated that, “NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in patients with or without heart disease or risk factors for heart disease. A large number of studies support this finding, with varying estimates of how much the risk is increased, depending on the drugs and the doses studied.”2

NSAIDs are among the most common pain relief medications in the world. Millions of people use them every day to sooth headaches, arthritis symptoms, sprains, and other discomforts. However, given recent development many medical professionals are seeking drug-free methods to manage chronic pain.

A growing body of research conducted over the past fifteen years shows that Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) produces anti-inflammatory effects which contribute to pain relief.3 The bio-modulative mechanisms of specific wavelengths of light address all three known cellular pathways, which means that when the dosage is properly adjusted it can mitigate all types of chronic pain.

Theralase LLLT systems are a unique, drug-free, non-invasive therapeutic modality which reduces pain and inflammation right at the source by using 660 nm and 905 nm wavelengths.  These bio-stimulating effects lead to an increase in tissue regeneration and accelerated healing.

To find out more join our free informational webinar, Pain Management with Non-Thermal Laser Therapy, July 22nd at 12pm EST. Dr. Enrico Dolcecore will explore how laser therapy can help with back pain and a number of other chronic pain conditions. Click here for more information or to register.

Find out more about how Theralase non-thermal laser therapy can help your patients suffering from chronic pain by requesting a free demo today.  For patients wanting to find out more about how Theralase non-thermal laser therapy can help, visit our Clinic Locator to find a practitioner near you.

  1. Non-aspirin Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Drug Safety Communication – FDA Strengthens Warning of Increased Chance of Heart Attack or Stroke. (2015).  http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm454141.htm
  2. Ibid
  3. Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo or active-treatment controlled trials. (2009).  http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2809%2961522-1/abstract