Analysis of the central pathways responsible for green light therapy-induced pain relief in osteoarthritis

Using green light therapy for pain relief in osteoarthritis

Almost two-thirds of people with osteoarthritis do not receive adequate pain relief and need new ways to manage their pain. Dr. Jason McDougall and his team have early evidence that exposure to dim green light may reduce joint pain. In this new study, they will investigate how green light therapy affects how the brain and nervous system process pain. Using animal models of osteoarthritis, the team will examine whether exposure to green light changes how pain signals are transmitted in the spinal cord and increases levels of naturally occurring painkillers in the nervous system. They will also measure whether exposure to green light changes brain activity in people with osteoarthritis to suppress pain signaling. The results could lead to a simple, safe, and effective form of therapy using green light to treat osteoarthritis and other joint pain conditions.