If you've been struggling with persistent headaches or migraines in Lehi, you understand how difficult it can be to find lasting relief. Maybe you've tried countless medications, each with their own side effects and limited results. At Summit Sports and Spine, we're excited to offer an innovative approach that's gaining attention in the medical community: greenlight therapy.
Greenlight therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to help reduce both the frequency and intensity of headaches. Research from Harvard Medical School has shown that exposure to narrow-band green light can decrease pain sensitivity in the nervous system. For people seeking natural headache relief without relying solely on medication, this evidence-based treatment offers a promising alternative.
What Is Greenlight Therapy?
Greenlight therapy involves sitting in a darkened room while exposed to a specialized LED light emitting green wavelengths around 525-530 nanometers. Unlike the harsh fluorescent lights that often trigger headaches, this specific green light spectrum appears to calm overactive pain pathways in your brain.
The treatment works by influencing how your nervous system processes pain signals. Studies published in the journal Brain found that patients using green light therapy for 10 weeks experienced an average 60% reduction in headache days per month. What makes this particularly exciting is that the therapy addresses pain at a neurological level rather than simply masking symptoms.
The Science Behind Light and Pain Relief
Our brains respond differently to various wavelengths of light. While blue light from screens can disrupt sleep and bright lights often worsen headaches, green light works differently in the brain's pain processing centers.
Research shows that green light enhances endogenous opioid production—your body's natural painkillers. This means you get relief without the risk of dependency or rebound headaches that can come with pharmaceutical options. The mechanism involves the visual cortex and how it communicates with pain centers in the brain.
Green light appears to reduce electrical activity in these pain pathways. This calming effect can persist even after light exposure ends, which is why many patients notice continued benefits on days when they don't use the therapy.
Who Benefits from Greenlight Therapy?
At Summit Sports and Spine in Lehi, we've seen particularly positive responses from patients dealing with several headache conditions. Individuals with frequent migraines—typically four or more per month—often respond well to this therapy.
Tension headache relief is another area where greenlight therapy shows strong results. Many Lehi patients combine this treatment with our chiropractic services and functional rehabilitation for comprehensive headache management. This addresses both the muscular components and the neurological sensitivity contributing to tension headaches.
People experiencing chronic headache patterns have also reported significant improvements. The treatment seems especially effective for those whose headaches are triggered by light sensitivity, which might initially seem counterintuitive. However, the narrow-band green light used in therapy is completely different from the broad-spectrum light that typically triggers migraines.
One of the most appealing aspects is the safety profile. Unlike many headache medications, greenlight therapy doesn't carry risks of dependency or significant side effects. This makes it viable for pregnant women, individuals with medication sensitivities, or anyone looking to reduce pharmaceutical intake.
What to Expect from Treatment
Understanding the treatment process helps set realistic expectations. This isn't typically an instant solution—most people need several weeks of consistent use before noticing significant improvement.
During sessions at Summit Sports and Spine, you'll sit in a quiet, darkened space with a specialized green LED light positioned at eye level about 3-4 feet away. Many patients use this time to relax, meditate, or listen to calming music. The light itself is gentle and not harsh on the eyes.
Treatment protocols vary, but a common approach involves 1-2 hour sessions daily for the first 8-10 weeks. Some patients begin experiencing relief within 2-3 weeks, while others need the full course. We recommend keeping a headache diary to track progress—you might not notice the gradual reduction until you review your records.
After the initial period, many people transition to maintenance sessions 3-4 times weekly or use the therapy when they feel a headache coming on. The flexibility allows you to adjust based on your response and lifestyle needs.
Combining Greenlight Therapy with Other Treatments
Greenlight therapy works best as part of a comprehensive approach to headache management. While powerful on its own, combining it with other evidence-based treatments often produces the most dramatic results.
Many of our Lehi patients use greenlight therapy alongside chiropractic adjustments to address cervicogenic headaches—those stemming from neck dysfunction. The manual therapy improves spinal alignment and reduces muscle tension, while light therapy calms overactive pain pathways. This combination is particularly effective for headaches involving both muscular and neurological components.
Functional rehabilitation exercises that strengthen neck muscles and improve posture complement greenlight therapy well. Poor posture from prolonged computer work contributes to many tension headaches. Addressing these mechanical issues while using light therapy creates a synergistic effect.
Lifestyle modifications matter too. Consistent sleep schedules, adequate hydration, stress management, and identifying food triggers all play important roles. Some patients combine greenlight therapy with biofeedback for stress-related headaches. Others incorporate nutritional approaches like magnesium supplementation based on their specific trigger patterns.
Getting Started in Lehi
If you're interested in trying greenlight therapy for your headaches, the first step is scheduling a consultation at Summit Sports and Spine. We'll take time to understand your specific headache pattern, identify underlying causes, and determine whether this treatment is appropriate for your situation.
Some patients invest in home-use green light devices, which have become more accessible. However, we strongly recommend working with a healthcare provider who understands both the therapy and headache disorders. Professional guidance ensures you're using the treatment correctly and adjusting your care plan as needed.
Chronic migraine treatment options have expanded significantly, and greenlight therapy represents one of the most exciting developments in non-pharmaceutical pain management. While it may not work for everyone, the growing research and positive patient experiences make it worth considering, especially if you've struggled to find relief through other approaches.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
Living with chronic headaches doesn't have to be your reality. At Summit Sports and Spine, we're committed to helping you explore every viable option for finding lasting relief. Greenlight therapy might be the missing piece in your headache management strategy—a safe, evidence-based approach that addresses pain at its neurological roots.
Ready to learn more? Contact Summit Sports and Spine in Lehi today to schedule a consultation. We'll evaluate your specific situation, discuss whether greenlight therapy is appropriate for you, and create a personalized treatment plan. Don't let another day go by limited by headache pain—take the first step toward the relief you deserve.
