Cold Laser Therapy for Lumbar Joint Dysfunction in Perth

Cold Laser Therapy for Lumbar Joint Dysfunction in Perth

What Is Lumbar Joint Dysfunction?

Lumbar joint dysfunction refers to irritation, inflammation, or restricted movement of the facet joints in the lower back. These small joints, located at the back of each vertebra, help guide spinal motion and provide stability. When these joints become stiff or inflamed, they can cause localised lower back pain, reduced mobility, and muscle tightness.

It’s often caused by repetitive strain, poor posture, prolonged sitting, or injury. It may also develop alongside other conditions like disc degeneration or lumbar spondylosis.

Common Signs and Symptoms

• Localised low back pain, especially near the spine
• Pain that worsens with extension or twisting
• Morning stiffness that eases with movement
• Tenderness over the affected facet joints
• Referred pain into the buttocks or upper thighs (non-nerve related)

Conventional Management

Conservative management includes manual therapy, spinal mobilisation, and specific exercises aimed at restoring joint mobility and muscle balance. Anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants may be used for symptom control. In persistent cases, facet joint injections or radiofrequency ablation may be considered.

However, these interventions do not directly promote joint tissue healing and may not be suitable for all patients.

Role of Chiropractic Care in Lumbar Joint Dysfunction

At Lakeside Chiropractic in Joondalup, chiropractors often see patients with lumbar joint dysfunction and provide care aimed at restoring normal spinal movement and reducing pain. Chiropractic care may complement cold laser therapy by:

• Spinal mobilisation and adjustments: These techniques aim to restore normal motion in restricted joints, reduce mechanical irritation, and improve overall spinal mechanics.
• Soft tissue therapy: Targeted work on surrounding muscles may help reduce protective spasm and improve movement.
• Flexion-distraction therapy: At Lakeside Chiropractic we use a specialised flexion-distraction table that gently reduces pressure within the lumbar joints and intervertebral discs. This approach is particularly useful for patients with stiffness, joint irritation, or disc involvement.
• Exercise prescription: Tailored strengthening and mobility programs support long-term improvement by stabilising the lumbar spine.

By combining chiropractic care with cold laser therapy at Cold Laser Perth, patients may benefit from an integrative approach that targets both pain relief and long-term functional recovery.

Role of Cold Laser Therapy in Lumbar Joint Dysfunction

Cold laser therapy may serve as a supportive treatment by promoting tissue recovery and addressing both pain and inflammation at the source.

How It May Help:

• Reduce inflammation in the joint capsule and surrounding tissues
• Stimulate local circulation to support tissue repair
• Decrease nerve sensitivity associated with joint irritation
• Improve flexibility and comfort when combined with physical therapy

A study by Konstantinovic et al. (2010) found that patients with spinal pain and radiculopathy showed reduced pain and improved range of motion after receiving low-level laser therapy. Though this study focused on the cervical spine, the same principles of facet joint function and photobiomodulation may apply in the lumbar region.

When to Consider Laser Therapy

• In early stages of acute facet joint pain
• For chronic or recurring lower back discomfort
• When seeking alternatives to medication or injection-based care

At Cold Laser Perth, we use the MR5 ACTIV PRO LaserStim®, which combines laser and electrical stimulation in a single device. We also often combine laser therapy with soft tissue techniques and tailored exercises to improve outcomes for persistent back pain.

Book an Appointment

If you're dealing back pain that just won’t ease up, book in for an assessment to find out if joint dysfunction is behind it. Cold laser therapy may be a helpful part of your recovery.

📍 Find us in Joondalup

📅 Book online at coldlaserperth.com.au

While outcomes can vary, many patients find this multi-modal approach helps improve over time. If you are having any back pain, feel free to contact Cold Laser Perth at Lakeside Chiropractic at 9300 0095 to see how we may be able to help or visit our website at www.coldlaserperth.com.au for more information.

📍 Serving the Joondalup & Northern Suburbs of Perth Lakeside Chiropractic is central to the northern suburbs of Perth, located in the City of Joondalup. If you are in the surrounding suburbs such as Yanchep - 6035, Tapping - 6065, Carramar - 6031, Currambine - 6028, Wanneroo - 6065, Heathridge - 6027, Edgewater - 6027, Gnangara - 6077, Mullaloo - 6027, Padbury - 6025, Kingsley - 6026, Woodvale - 6026, Banksia Grove - 6031, or Duncraig - 6023, our team is here to assist you.

Reference

1. Konstantinovic LM, Kanjuh Z, Milovanovic ND. Low-level laser therapy for acute neck pain with radiculopathy: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Pain Med. 2010;11(8):1169–1178.