Expand treatment options in the chiropractic practice
Resulting from damage to the nervous system, neuropathic pain is often characterized by an uncertain etiology and poor response to conventional therapies. Patients commonly report burning, tingling, numbness and hypersensitivity. These symptoms can significantly impact quality of life.
Pharmaceutical therapy is the most common approach for managing neuropathic pain, despite only providing meaningful relief to 30% of patients.1,2 Underwhelming outcomes combined with the risk of adverse side effects have led many patients to seek non-pharmacological alternatives. While chiropractic care can help address biomechanical contributors to nerve irritation, manual therapies alone may not fully resolve the underlying cellular and neurophysiological dysfunction that drives neuropathic pain.
As the prevalence of nerve-related conditions continues to rise, chiropractors and their patients are increasingly exploring innovative solutions that address both symptoms and root causes. Acting at the cellular level, laser therapy has emerged as an evidence-based adjunct for managing neuropathic pain due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and tissue regenerative effects.
Laser therapy for neuropathic pain
Laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), uses specific wavelengths of infrared light to transfer energy to biological tissue. This interaction stimulates cellular metabolism and accelerates the body’s natural healing processes.
Cellular metabolism
A growing body of research demonstrates laser therapy increases adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production within cells, improving mitochondrial function and supporting tissue repair. 1 Enhanced ATP availability triggers a cascade of biological responses that promote healing, while reducing pain, inflammation and edema.
In vitro studies have also shown photobiomodulation significantly increases NLRP10, a protein that inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory interleukins. 1,2 This decrease in inflammation leads to normalization of vascular function and a decrease in edema. 2
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects
Because inflammation surrounding nerves is a major contributor to the development and progression of neuropathic pain, 2 laser therapy’s anti-inflammatory effects are clinically significant. Reduced inflammatory signaling helps relieve mechanical and chemical nerve irritation.
Laser therapy also exerts a direct analgesic effect. Research indicates PBMT influences the production of anti-nociceptive substances, such as endorphins, and modulates peripheral nerve conduction and nociceptive signal transmission. 1 Together, these effects can provide both short- and long-term pain relief.
Effects on nerves
Beyond symptom management, photobiomodulation has demonstrated regenerative potential. Studies on injured nerves have reported improvements in nerve function and increased axonal growth,2 suggesting laser therapy may help restore damaged nerves rather than simply masking pain.
These combined cellular, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative effects position laser therapy as a valuable adjunct for chiropractors seeking to treat neuropathic pain more comprehensively.
Technological advancements in laser therapy
Backed by more than 40 years of research and development, the Multiwave Locked System® (MLS) is a unique type of Class IV therapy laser that precisely synchronizes two wavelengths of infrared light (continuous 808 nm and pulsed 905 nm) to enhance biostimulatory effects.
In vivo research shows this synchronized emission produces a biological response that cannot be achieved by either emission on its own.3 The patented MLS emission system also modulates energy output based on treatment parameters, ensuring precise therapeutic dosing, while minimizing the thermal risks associated with many high-power laser systems.
Comparative studies have found MLS Lasers achieve therapeutic results for musculoskeletal conditions in significantly fewer treatment sessions.4 Additional research comparing the synchronized MLS pulse patterns to traditional continuous and pulsed emissions has shown faster recovery of nerve function and muscle trophism. 3
As photobiomodulation science continues to evolve, newer technologies are building on this foundation to further optimize outcomes for nerve-related conditions.
Designed for neuropathic pain
The MiS Therapy Laser represents the next evolution of MLS technology, combining synchronized MLS emissions with high-peak-power pulses to expand treatment capabilities for neuropathic pain.
By delivering up to 1,000 watts of peak power, the MiS system increases energy delivery at maximum tissue penetration depth, optimizing its biological effects on nerve cells. This high peak power is made possible by the safety profile of the MLS pulse pattern, which delivers controlled laser energy to maintain consistent tissue temperatures below the threshold associated with thermal damage.
In addition to managing pain, inflammation and edema, research shows MiS Laser Therapy supports both functional and structural nerve recovery through the following three key mechanisms:
- Restoration of the myelin sheath, the protective layer surrounding nerve axons. 1
- Stimulation of HNRNP K protein synthesis, which supports axonogenesis and nerve fiber repair.5
- Increased M2 macrophage activity, promoting anti-inflammatory responses and tissue regeneration.6
By targeting the cellular drivers of neuropathic pain, this advanced technology delivers results not typically achievable with conventional therapy laser systems.
New opportunities for chiropractors
As neuropathic pain continues to challenge both patients and practitioners, laser therapy provides chiropractors with a clinically validated option to expand their treatment capabilities while meeting rising patient demand for drug-free, outcome-focused care.
By addressing cellular, inflammatory and neurophysiological contributors to nerve dysfunction, photobiomodulation offers therapeutic benefits that extend beyond what manual therapies alone can achieve. For practices seeking to elevate clinical outcomes and broaden their scope of care, advanced laser therapy represents a meaningful opportunity to enhance patient results and the overall standard of care.
Your trusted partner in laser therapy
With 25 years of experience, Cutting Edge Laser Technologies is a world-leader in light-based technologies and the exclusive provider of the patented, clinically validated and FDA-cleared Multivalve Locked System® (MLS) Therapy Lasers. From portable models to fully robotic devices, our products are designed to optimize patient outcomes and strengthen your bottom line.
Learn more about the benefits of MLS Laser Therapy for the chiropractic practice by calling 800-889-4184 or visiting celasers.com.
References
- Micheli L, et al. Effect of NIR laser therapy by MLS-MiS source against neuropathic pain in rats: In vivo and ex vivo analysis. Sci Rep. 2019; 9(9297). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-45469-5. Accessed February 12, 2026.
- Mezzalira M, and D’Angelo D. Laser therapy in the management of neuropathic pain: Preliminary experience on 43 patients. Energy for Health. 2019;19. https://celasers.com/laser-therapy-in-the-management-of-neuropathic-pain/. Accessed February 12, 2026.
- Gigo-Benato D, et al. Low-power laser biostimulation enhances nerve repair after end-to-side neurorrhaphy: A double-blind randomized study in the rat median nerve model. Lasers Med Sci. 2004;19(1):57-65. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-004-0300-3. Accessed February 12, 2026.
- Monici M, et al. Effect of IR laser on myoblasts: a proteomic study. Molecular BioSystems.2013;9(6):1147-1161. https://doi.org/10.1039/c2mb25398d. Accessed February 12, 2026.
- Kimlickova M, et al. A comparison of effects of therapy with the NIR laser diode and MLS laser system. Energy for Health. 2016;15. celasers.com. Accessed February 12, 2026.
- Svobodova B, et al. The effect of 808 nm and 905 nm wavelength light on recovery after spinal cord injury. Sci Rep. 2019;9(7660). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44141-2. Accessed February 12, 2026.
