Case Studies in Migraine & Other Headache Pain Relief: The Power of Green Light Therapy
- Thomas P Seager, PhD
- Dec 26, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 7
Summary of Findings
Research reveals that green light can alleviate migraine and other headache pain, with notable exceptions.
MyGreen produces more powerful and programmable green LED phototherapy devices than those tested in laboratory trials.
Reports from MyGreen customers suggest greater effectiveness for a wider variety of headaches than documented in existing literature. However, two types of headaches that do not respond to green light include: 1) High estrogen headaches, and 2) hangovers.
The Discovery of Green Light for Migraine Pain Relief
The groundbreaking study investigating green light's analgesic properties for migraine pain was published in 2016. A team from Professor Rami Burstein's lab at Harvard Medical School collaborated to recruit patients in Boston who were suffering from migraines. In lieu of medications, these patients were exposed to multiple light wavelengths, including white, blue (447nm), green (530 nm), amber (590nm), and red (627nm). Each participant kept their eyes open and looked directly into the light, which varied from dim lighting to conditions akin to a brightly lit office.
The findings were striking. For every wavelength except green, patients reported increased pain linked to photophobia. The relief from green light exposure was modest but noteworthy. Between 10-20% of patients indicated improvement during green light exposure, using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (Noseda et al. 2016).
A subsequent study conducted five years later by Mohab M Ibrahim, MD/PhD at the University of Arizona built upon these results. This team employed 525nm green LED party light strips bought online, modifying them with black electrical tape to reduce the light intensity. Participants were instructed to use these devices at home, in a darkened space, for one to two hours daily. Unlike earlier studies, participants were advised to keep their eyes open but avoid direct eye contact with the light.
The outcomes were remarkable. Almost all patients noted a decrease in headache frequency, with 15% reporting a total absence of headaches during the two-month study. Additionally, when headaches did occur, pain intensity was reduced by an average of 60%.
Challenges in Clinical Implementation
Despite the promising results from Harvard, the green LED lamp developed by their team is considered less effective due to its low power. Users must keep their eyes open for at least 45 minutes, a challenging requirement during a migraine attack.
In contrast, the Arizona team's homemade solution lacks a commercial availability path since individuals can easily purchase LED strips themselves. However, the need for daily one-hour sessions in a dark room can discourage consistent use among headache sufferers.
The Evolution of MyGreen Technology: AJ Kay's Experience
The inception of MyGreen Lamp was a fortunate accident. By adjusting a red light manufacturer's processes to create a green LED, we achieved unprecedented brightness. My initial concern was its intensity, however, that was a non-issue for me since I do not suffer from headaches.
AJ Kay, however, does experience migraines. When she first tested the MyGreen prototype, her approach differed significantly from previous research methodologies. She held the lamp close to her face and closed her eyes.
"This feels really good," she shared. "My headache was at about a 6 (on a scale of 10), and now I’d rate it at about a 2."
AJ's feedback enlightened me about the advantages of MyGreen's enhanced brightness. By closing her eyes, she blocked out other wavelengths that aggravate headache pain while still receiving some green light through her eyelids, providing immediate and lasting relief.
After experiencing the usual visual disturbances, I encouraged AJ to use the MyGreen Goggles, which contain four wavelengths and adjustable intensity sliders. I anticipated that she would explore different settings to determine the most effective combination.
To my surprise, AJ opted to max out all settings and wore the Goggles for 20 minutes straight. An extraordinary change occurred.
Immediate Results After Using MyGreen Goggles
After 20 minutes with the MyGreen Goggles, AJ found herself in a pain-free state. The migraine pattern continued as usual, complete with brain fog, but without any pain.
Customer Feedback on MyGreen Products
Since the launch of MyGreen, numerous customers have shared their experiences with either the MyGreen Lamp or the MyGreen Goggles. None of these reviews are compensated; they reflect genuine user feedback. Here are a few highlights:
A recurring theme in customer responses is a marked reduction in the need for medication, including Botox, to manage migraines. Just about ten minutes of MyGreen treatment daily has minimized both the frequency and severity of headaches for many users, allowing them to either discontinue or significantly reduce their medications. Given the often harsh side effects of these conventional treatments, MyGreen users express their enthusiasm.
A Deeper Dive into Green Light Phototherapy
The most compelling evidence for MyGreen's efficacy is derived from the supervising doctors who manage patient treatments. Dr. Jacob Perkins DC, for instance, has played a crucial role in compiling real cases from his clinic, Summit Sport & Spine, located in Lehi, UT. He employs the MyGreen Lamp on all headache patients with remarkable results. Notably, he finds that many headache types beyond migraines respond well to treatment. Some cases include:
A young girl suffered persistent headaches after a fall and concussion. After ten minutes with MyGreen, her headaches disappeared entirely, and she has remained headache-free.
A 62-year-old male had severe migraines that slightly affected his vision. Dr. Perkins treated him using MyGreen for ten minutes, resulting in both pain reduction and restored vision. Remarkably, he has not had a single headache since.
A high school football player experienced headaches post-concussion. After just ten minutes of treatment with MyGreen, his symptoms were entirely alleviated.
Limitations of MyGreen Therapy
These patient cases showcase rapid, lasting relief from debilitating headache pain. However, results are not consistent across all users.
A clear pattern has surfaced particularly among pre-menopausal women experiencing headaches related to high estrogen levels. Of the three women attempting green light therapy, all reported no relief. Therefore, I advise caution when recommending this therapy for high estrogen headaches. Alternatives like the hormone-balancing effects of an ice bath may be more beneficial.
Two additional unsuccessful experiences were shared. A friend attempting MyGreen for a hangover found no relief, while another individual returned two units after his family members experienced vestibular migraine without sufficient benefit from the product.
Many individuals do not see full pain resolution but have noted that green light therapy still alleviates some symptoms or decreases medication dependence. In these cases, patients have decided to continue MyGreen treatment due to its affordability and effectiveness, even if only slight.
References
Noseda R, Bernstein CA, Nir RR, Lee AJ, Fulton AB, Bertisch SM, Hovaguimian A, Cestari DM, Saavedra-Walker R, Borsook D, Doran BL. Migraine photophobia originating in cone-driven retinal pathways. Brain. 2016 Jul 1;139(7):1971-86.
Palmer SE, Schloss KB. An ecological valence theory of human color preference. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2010 May 11;107(19):8877-82.
About the Author
Thomas P Seager, PhD, is an Associate Professor at Arizona State University’s School of Sustainable Engineering. He co-invented the MyGreen Lamp and MyGreen Goggles, co-founded the Morozko Forge ice bath company, and specializes in creating machines that replicate natural experiences to develop physiological and psychological resilience.
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