Infrared therapy for chronic low back pain: A randomized, controlled trial
March 11, 2025
In this trial conducted by George D. Gale, Peter J. Rothbart, and Ye Li, the effectiveness of infrared (IR) therapy for chronic low back pain was assessed. The study involved 40 patients with chronic low back pain lasting over six years, who were recruited from the Rothbart Pain Management Clinic in North York, Ontario. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either IR therapy or a placebo treatment. The IR therapy was delivered using small, portable units worn on the lower back, which emitted infrared energy at wavelengths between 800 nm and 1200 nm. Over the course of seven weeks, the treatment group experienced significant pain relief, with their average pain score on the numerical rating scale (NRS) dropping from 6.9 to 3.0, compared to a smaller reduction in the placebo group, where pain scores dropped from 7.4 to 6.0.
The results of this study suggest that IR therapy is an effective method for alleviating chronic low back pain, with no reported adverse effects. The pain reduction observed in the treatment group was substantial, indicating that infrared therapy can provide meaningful relief for individuals with intractable low back pain. This research highlights the potential of infrared therapy as a non-invasive, safe treatment option for managing chronic pain, particularly in cases where other treatments may have been ineffective. The use of portable infrared devices, as demonstrated in this study, offers a convenient and accessible means for pain management, enhancing the quality of life for those suffering from chronic low back pain.
