Gentle light beams ease nerve pain in a digital illustration.

Laser Therapy for Post-Herpetic Neuralgia: Can Light Ease the Pain?

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore how low-intensity laser irradiation offers a promising, non-invasive approach to managing the persistent nerve pain following a shingles outbreak, and what the research reveals about its effectiveness."

Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox), can lead to a painful complication known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). This condition is characterized by chronic neuropathic pain in the area affected by the shingles rash, and it can persist for months or even years after the rash has cleared. The pain can be debilitating, significantly impacting quality of life.

Traditional treatments for PHN often include medications such as antiviral drugs, painkillers, and anticonvulsants. However, these medications don't always provide adequate relief and can come with unwanted side effects. As a result, many individuals seek alternative or complementary therapies to manage their pain.

One such therapy gaining attention is low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as cold laser therapy. LLLT involves the application of low-intensity light to the affected area to stimulate cellular activity and reduce pain. This article explores the potential of LLLT as a treatment for PHN, examining the evidence from scientific studies and what you need to know.

How Does Low-Level Laser Therapy Work for Nerve Pain?

Gentle light beams ease nerve pain in a digital illustration.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) works through a process called photobiomodulation. When light is applied to the skin, it's absorbed by cells and tissues. This absorption triggers a series of biological reactions that can reduce pain, inflammation, and promote healing. Here's a more detailed breakdown:

The primary mechanisms through which LLLT is believed to alleviate post-herpetic neuralgia include:

Reduced Inflammation: LLLT can decrease the production of inflammatory substances in the body, helping to calm irritated nerves.
Pain Relief: The therapy can stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.
Improved Circulation: LLLT may enhance blood flow to the affected area, which can help nourish damaged nerves and promote healing.
Nerve Regeneration: Some studies suggest that LLLT can support the regeneration of damaged nerve tissue.

By targeting these key factors, LLLT offers a multifaceted approach to managing the complex pain associated with PHN.

The Future of Laser Therapy for Post-Herpetic Neuralgia

Low-level laser therapy offers a promising avenue for those seeking relief from post-herpetic neuralgia. The existing research indicates that LLLT can effectively reduce pain and improve quality of life, with minimal side effects. As research continues and treatment protocols become more refined, LLLT may become an increasingly valuable tool in the management of this challenging condition.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is post-herpetic neuralgia?

Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic nerve pain condition that can occur after a shingles outbreak. Shingles itself is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a shingles rash clears, some individuals experience persistent pain in the affected area, which is then classified as PHN. This pain can last for months or even years, and significantly impact a person's quality of life.

What is low-level laser therapy (LLLT)?

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as cold laser therapy, is a treatment that uses low-intensity light to stimulate cellular activity and reduce pain. In the context of post-herpetic neuralgia, LLLT aims to alleviate nerve pain by reducing inflammation, stimulating the release of endorphins (natural painkillers), improving circulation to nourish damaged nerves, and potentially supporting nerve regeneration. The process by which LLLT works is called photobiomodulation.

Why is low-level laser therapy significant for post-herpetic neuralgia?

LLLT is important as a potential non-invasive treatment for post-herpetic neuralgia. Traditional treatments often involve medications like antiviral drugs, painkillers, and anticonvulsants, which may not always provide adequate relief and can have side effects. LLLT offers an alternative approach with minimal side effects, potentially improving the quality of life for those suffering from PHN.

Can you explain how low-level laser therapy actually works to relieve nerve pain?

LLLT works by using photobiomodulation. When the low-intensity light is applied to the skin, it is absorbed by cells and tissues. This absorption triggers biological reactions that can reduce inflammation, stimulate the release of endorphins (the body's natural painkillers), improve blood flow to the affected area, and potentially support nerve regeneration. The primary mechanisms include reducing inflammation, pain relief, improved circulation, and nerve regeneration.

Is low-level laser therapy a guaranteed cure for post-herpetic neuralgia, and what are the limitations?

While research suggests that LLLT can be effective in reducing pain and improving the quality of life for those with post-herpetic neuralgia, the optimal treatment protocols are still being refined. Further research is needed to determine the most effective dosages, treatment durations, and specific techniques to maximize the benefits of LLLT for PHN. Factors such as individual patient characteristics and the severity of the condition may also influence the success of LLLT. Also, other therapies include antiviral drugs, painkillers, and anticonvulsants.