We've noticed in our clinic that quite a number of patients have had prior history of back surgeries, yet pain persists, and in some cases - worsened - due to formation of scar tissues. This is commonly known as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS), between 5 to 40% of patients undergoing back surgeries experience this complication.

Sometimes surgery isn't the solution to everything. We strongly advice patients to consider the option to have surgery carefully - have a long chat with doctors, get a second opinion etc. 

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is an effective modality in pain management. It is already widely adapted in Europe and North America in treatment and management of chronic / acute pain and many degenerative conditions. This service is now available in Sydney, in our Bondi Junction clinic. More information regarding LLLT is available in our main website, alternatively phone or email us with any questions. 

With the government tobacco tax hike looming, it is clear that we as a society is becoming more serious about reduce smoking related motalities. In addition to plain packaing regulations. It is hoped that a series of price increases of tobacco products would help lower its demand, ultimately encouraging more to quite smoking.

Indeed it is a good time to quit. Not only does it make great sense financially - think about the ciggy money that you will be able to save and reinvested elsewhere - perhaps family and friemds, but you will gain the peace of mind knowing that your argubly biggest asset, health will come under less risk of developing problems in the long run.

Sydney Laser Health Solutions is expert in aiding people in smoke cessation, with advanced low level laser technology, proven protocols and great success rate.

See how we will be able to help you quit smoking successfully with laser.

I received a surprise vist from a former patient of mine yesterday. She had a series of pain management treatments for her lower back almost a year ago, good result was achieved. In this blog entry though, I would like to talk about a pleasent "side effect" Low Level Laser Therapy had brought her - in addition to effective pain relief, her blood sugar level, along with HbA1c readings are back to normal!

Marina was diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus many years ago, her blood glucose level was unstable at the time we met, even though she had been taking blood sugar lowering medications, in addition, Her HbA1c was worryingly high.

Low Level Laser is known to modulate our body's metabolism systemically. Monochrometic Light interacts with blood cells, activates specific cellular receptors in the process, energises the cells through stimulating the mitochondria to produce ATP more efficiently, in turn promoting intracellular homeostasis, while improved vescular transportation proterties (of circulation and lymph flow) help the removal of excess products from the system.

In addition to blood sugar levels, the above mentioned mechanism also modulates other blood properties, such as lipid, cholestrol and viscosity (stickiness). Which makes Low Level Laser Therapy an excellent modality to prevent stroke, and in case for patients who have had a stroke - LLLT improves their recovery and lowers the chance of future reoccurances.

At Sydney Laser Health, we now have protocols in place specifically targeting diabetes ( laser blood irradiation ) Unlike traditional methods that some may find on the internet - intravenous irradiation, our laser machines are designed to do so noninvasively, and thus completely pain free.

Painkillers have been taken for granted these days, Voltaren (Diclofenac), Nurofen (Ibuprofen), Naprosyn(Naproxen), Celebrex(Coxib) just to name a few. These are all classified as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, or NSAIDs. Many of these are easily accessable as over-the-counter drugs and have become the "go-to" pain relieve options for many who suffers from acute or chronic pain, including common headaches, neck/back pain, arthritis and other conditions.

It is alarming that many patients often overlook the risk of cardiovascular complications when choosing these drugs.

 A recent study, published in prominent medical journal, The Lancet, investigated the adverse side effects of NSAIDs and found that painkillers increase the risk of major vascular events by about a third, according to its new meta-analysis of relevant clinical trials. 

The main findings are as follows:

•     Major vascular events were increased by about a third by Coxib, where the rate ratio was 1.37(95% CI 1.14- 1.66, P=0.0009).
•     For Diclofenac: the rate ratio was 1.41 (95% CI 1.12-1.78, P=0.003),     which means those taking Diclofenac are 41% more likely to get major vascular risks.
•     The elevated risks were chiefly due to more major coronary events. as the study suggests that The rate ratio for such events for coxibs     was 1.76 (P=0.0001), and for diclofenac, 1.70 (P=0.003). That is, those who takes Coxibs - i.e Celebrex - is 76% more at risk of developing coronary problem, and Diclofenac consumers are 70% more likely to develope coronary health issues.
•      Ibuprofen also significantly increased major coronary events -- the rate ratio was 2.22 (95% CI 1.10 to 4.48, P=0.0253) -- but not major vascular events. In other words, an individual who consumes Ibuprofens in high dosages would be twice more likely to develope coronary complications than those who do not.
•     Naproxen did not significantly increase major vascular events or vascular deaths.

Other factors contributing to elevated cardiovescular risks

How much the NSAIDs affects each individual does depend on a number of other factors, for example one's age; his or her health status (whether one is smoking, is diabetic, has hypertension, has hyper lipid/viscosity/cholesterol or not);the dosage of NSAIDs one takes; how often and how long one has been consuming NSAIDs. The implication is that one should always consult with medical professionals before taking NSAIDs and that only take NSAIDs when absolutely necessary, and at small dosages because apart from the vascular risks, NSAIDs are also know to a separate study published in the Lancet found between 20% to 40% increase in risk of serious upper gastronintestinal comlications, including bleeding ulcers.

Safer Alternatives

One may want to ask, is there a pain management  modality that doesn't invole adverse side effects?

The answer is yes, and we recommend Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). LLLT is a form of light therapy that has strong anti-inflammatory and tissue healing effects. It works through introducing light beam of a single wavelength to affected area. Upon on penetrating skin surface, light interacts with the mitochondia of the damaged cells, which stimulates a series of photochemical changes in the cellular level that lowers the oxidative stress and relieves inflammation thereby reducing pain.

Unlike surgical or cosmetic lasers, low level lasers produce no heat, sound, or vibration, and is therefore harmless to tissues; being a therapy that is medication free, it eliminates the chance of developing adverse side effects as compared to pharmaceutical interventions.