The NEO LUMINUS Pad can not mechanically “pull” a disc back, but it can reduce the chemical and inflammatory drivers of radicular pain, improve the microenvironment around the nerve root and disc (less cytokines, better ECM balance, improved microcirculation), and support tissue-level repair processes that can reduce pain and accelerate recovery in many patients with herniated discs.
Lowers the inflammatory signals that sensitize nerve roots:
PEMF, red light, NIR & FIR exposure (in many in-vitro and animal studies) reduces expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and catabolic enzymes (for example TNF-α, IL-1 family members, IL-6, MMPs) from disc cells and local tissues — which decreases chemical radiculitis and nociceptor sensitization. That reduction in inflammatory signaling helps both the nerve (less pain signaling) and the disc tissue (less ongoing breakdown).
What that means: less inflammation → less chemical irritation of the nerve → lower pain scores and often better nerve function.
Modulates immune cells (macrophages) toward a healing profile:
It has been shown to influence macrophage behavior and the inflammatory milieu — in some models favoring a shift from a pro-inflammatory (M1) phenotype toward reparative (M2) activity and altering cytokine secretion. Because macrophages are key players in the natural resorption and remodeling of extruded disc material, PEMF’s modulation of macrophage responses may help the body clear or remodel herniated tissue more effectively.
Important: this supports biological resorption and repair — it’s not a mechanical retraction of the disc.
Improves microcirculation, nitric oxide signaling and cellular metabolism:
It activates ion channels (notably voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels) and stimulates nitric oxide pathways and downstream vasodilation/cellular signaling. That can increase local blood flow, nutrient delivery, and waste removal around the nerve root and disc—helpful because poor microcirculation worsens pain and delays healing.
Promotes extracellular matrix synthesis, cell survival and autophagy in disc cells:
It upregulates genes involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) production (collagens, aggrecan) and activates protective cell programs such as SIRT1-mediated autophagy in nucleus pulposus cells in animal and cell studies. Those changes can slow degenerative processes in the disc and favor tissue repair rather than breakdown.
It shifts the disc microenvironment from “catabolic + inflammatory” toward “anabolic + reparative,” which reduces drivers of pain and may slow progression.
Reduces nerve irritability and improves measurable neural function:
Clinical studies using PEMF in patients with disc-related radiculopathy have shown reductions in pain scores and even improvements in somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs), suggesting a measurable improvement in nerve conduction and reduced physiological irritation of the nerve root.