The anti-inflammatory properties of red light therapy have successfully alleviated pain in many people. If you have back pain, neck pain or sciatica, studies show red light may help reduce chronic inflammation and discomfort and restore a healthy range of motion. At Avanti Body, we are committed to your health and well-being. Read on to learn more about chronic inflammation.
What is Chronic Inflammation?
Acute inflammation is the body’s response to an injury or irritant, such as a microbe, a toxin, or a foreign object like a splinter. Inflammation is part of your body’s natural healing process. The immune system releases antibodies and proteins, which increase blood flow to the affected area resulting in swelling and redness, and pain. This generally lasts a few hours to a few days.
In the case of chronic inflammation, this immune response goes awry or carries on longer than necessary. Over time this uncontrolled response can cause damage to your tissues and organs, leading to disease. Many disease processes are rooted in inflammation including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and even depression.
What Causes it?
It isn’t always clear what causes chronic inflammation in everyone, but here are some possible causes:
- Acute inflammation that goes untreated
- Autoimmune disorders
- Long-term exposure to environmental irritants
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Chronic stress
- Alcohol
- Inflammatory diet
What are Some Signs and Symptoms?
Signs and symptoms of chronic inflammation are generally much subtler and more nonspecific than acute inflammation, making them hard to detect. Some common ones include:
- Fatigue
- Frequent infections
- Mouth sores
- Skin issues, such as rashes
- GI issues such as abdominal pain, GERD, constipation or diarrhea
- Body pain and aches
- Insomnia
- Depression, anxiety, or mood disorders
- Weight gain
How is it Treated?
- Medications such as NSAIDs and corticosteroids
- Supplements such as fish oil, curcumin, and lipoic acid
- Spices such as ginger, garlic, and cayenne
- Anti-inflammatory diet
- Red light therapy
- Exercise
- Lose weight
- Detoxification
- Manage chronic stress through practices such as yoga, mindfulness, walking, therapy
Treating Inflammation at Avanti Body
Research suggests that red and near-infrared light are highly effective in treating chronic inflammation by suppressing and dramatically reducing inflammation throughout the body. Red light helps decrease inflammation where mitochondria are present in the tissue, joints, and other body organs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chronic inflammation health consequences?
Chronic inflammation ultimately causes your body’s inflammatory response to start harming healthy cells, tissues, and organs. This may eventually result in internal scarring, tissue loss, and DNA damage. These are all connected to the emergence of a number of illnesses, including cancer.
How long does it take for normal inflammation to become chronic inflammation?
If inflammation persists for more than three months, it is often called chronic, and if it is not properly managed, it may interfere with everyday activities and affect your life.