The Future of Pain Management: How Photobiomodulation Interrupts Substance P

What is Substance P?

As a key mediator of pain and inflammation, levels of Substance P play a critical role in the development and maintenance of chronic pain.

 

Balanced Levels of Substance P

Substance P is a natural and essential part of the body’s nervous system. Balanced levels of Substance P are important to maintain normal pain sensation, inflammatory responses, and various other bodily functions.

Abnormal levels, either high or low, can lead to physiological issues and symptoms.

1. High Levels of Substance P are often associated with chronic pain, migraines, and arthritis. Excessive, or prolonged, release of Substance P can be associated with chronic pain and inflammation. Reducing the levels of Substance P has emerged as a promising approach for managing chronic pain.
2. While less commonly discussed, low levels of Substance P could potentially impact the body’s ability to adequately transmit pain signals, which might affect injury detection and response

Substance P is the Messenger of Pain

Substance P is like a messenger in your body that plays a crucial role in transmitting pain signals. It is like a tiny alert system that tells your brain when something hurts. It has an important function in detecting and responding to harmful stimuli.

When you get injured or have inflammation somewhere in your body, Substance P is released in that area and travels through the nerves to your brain. This is how your brain knows you are feeling pain.

 

How Was Substance P Discovered?

Ulf von Euler (left) and John H. Gaddum (right), discoverers of Substance P.

Substance P was discovered by Ulf von Euler and John H. Gaddum in 1931. They identified this substance while studying intestinal muscle contractions. The discovery marked a significant milestone in neurochemistry because it was one of the first neuropeptides to be identified.

This discovery opened a new field of study regarding how the nervous system communicates using chemicals, leading to a deeper understanding of pain mechanisms and other neurological functions.

Ulf von Euler was later awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1970, although his Nobel Prize was for other significant work in the field of neurochemistry, particularly involving neurotransmitters. Ronald P Rubin cited the discovery of Substance P as one of the great discoveries in Pharmacology.

The scientific name for Substance P is “Substance P”. It was named because when it was discovered, its exact chemical structure was not known, and it was simply referred to as a “substance” causing certain physiological effects, particularly in pain pathways.

Over time, the name “Substance P” stuck and continues to be used. Its chemical structure, however, is that of a neuropeptide, a peptide composed of 11 amino acid residues. Neuropeptides are small protein-like molecules used by neurons (nerve cells) to communicate with each other.

They are like neurotransmitters, but generally act slower and have more prolonged effects. Substance P specifically functions in the nervous system to transmit pain signals and to influence other processes like inflammation, stress responses, and gastrointestinal function.

So, while it is known as a neuropeptide due to its role in neuronal communication, its impact extends beyond just nerve cells to various bodily functions.

 

More Than Pain

Substance P is best known for its role in making us feel pain, which is important because pain alerts us to injuries or problems that need attention. Substance P is involved in several chronic pain conditions, including osteoarthritis, neuropathic pain, and temporomandibular joint pain.

In addition to its role in pain, Substance P has been implicated in several other biological processes, including the regulation of blood pressure, the regulation of the immune response, and the regulation of gut motility.

Here are some important benefits of the substance in the body:

1. Substance P is involved in the inflammatory process, helping the body to heal after injury by increasing blood flow and recruiting immune cells to the affected area.
2. It may have roles in mood regulation and stress responses, although this area requires more research.
3. Substance P is involved in regulating various gastrointestinal functions, including motility and the secretion of substances in the gut.
4. It helps regulate respiratory reflexes, like coughing, which is important for clearing irritants from the airways.
5. Substance P can induce vasodilation, increasing blood flow to certain areas, which is important for tissue health and repair.

Substance P is a key player in several physiological processes beyond pain transmission, contributing to the body’s overall functioning and response to injury or illness.

 

How Can Substance P Be Modulated?

The MLS^® M6 laser being used to treat arthritis pain.

The effectiveness of methods to modulate Substance P largely depends on the individual’s specific condition, the cause and type of pain, and overall health.

It can be modulated through various methods, including:

1. Medications: Certain drugs, like capsaicin creams and some antidepressants, can reduce Substance P levels. Capsaicin, for instance, initially stimulates and then depletes Substance P from nerve endings. Can be very effective for localized pain relief, especially for conditions like arthritis or nerve pain.
2. Photobiomodulation Therapy (Light Therapy): This therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to reduce Substance P, thereby alleviating pain and inflammation. This therapy shows promise for a range of conditions, particularly for reducing inflammation and aiding in tissue repair.
3. Physical Therapy and Exercise: Regular exercise and physical therapy can influence the levels of various neurotransmitters, including Substance P. It is beneficial for chronic pain management and improving overall physical function.
4. Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique has been shown to affect Substance P levels, contributing to its pain-relieving effects. It is often effective for various types of pain, including chronic pain, though responses can be quite individual.
5. Diet and Supplements: Certain dietary choices and supplements might influence Substance P levels, though more research is needed in this area. While potential benefits exist, this approach often requires more research and is usually considered complementary to other treatments.