Chapter 23 Low-Level Laser Therapy for Spinal Cord Repair

Curiously, the research groups that were interested in investigatingthe beneficial effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on lungdiseases evaluated both the lung function and the reduction inclinical symptomwithout knowing the mechanism of action of LLLT.Of course, the main target of every treatment used for a diseaseis improving the patient’s condition. However, the low-level laseris an alternative therapy with anti-inflammatory properties whichare known up to the treatment moment. Therefore, there is a needto characterize that the ideal dosimetry can induce and maintainan anti-inflammatory response in both airway and lung. In thiscontext, the investigation of the action mechanism of LLLT wasnecessary for understanding if laser light can act like conventionalpharmacological therapy for treating lung diseases, andmainly whatimmune and inflammatory cells as well as chemical mediators andtranscription factors LLLT can interact with. Another importantview that the investigation could clarify is the mistaken notion thatthe same dose used to relieve pain in rheumatoid arthritis can beused to treat asthma symptoms. Certainly, the wavelength chosenfor treating each disease will be in the “therapeutic window” ofthe electromagnetic spectrum, but the wavelength is just a variableamong the physical parameters of lasers that can interfere inthe anti-inflammatory effect of LLLT. A well-established dosimetrywould facilitate the prescription of an appropriate dose that wouldbe effective in reducing lung inflammation. Furthermore, with arange of doses already established, it would be possible to evaluate ifLLLT has some interferences with other medicines used for treatinginflammatory lung disorders.