Chronic nonspecific back pain (CNBP) is one of the most common and costly musculoskeletal conditions worldwide. In North America, it is the leading cause of disability and accounts for up to 64% of new consultations in pain clinics. Lifetime prevalence reaches as high as 80%, and recurrence is common. The causes of CNBP are complex. In fact, 85% of cases show no clear physical origin. Psychosocial factors such as depression, anxiety, and avoidance behavior play a significant role in the persistence of pain. Research shows that up to 60% of chronic pain patients also experience depression, making combined treatment strategies essential.

How Infrared Light Therapy Works

Infrared (IR) light therapy offers a safe, non-invasive option for managing CNBP. By penetrating deep into tissue, IR light:

• Stimulates mitochondria to boost cellular metabolism and energy (ATP) production
• Improves circulation through the release of nitric oxide, increasing oxygen and nutrient delivery
• Accelerates waste removal from tissues
• Reduces inflammation and promotes faster healing of muscles, joints, and subcutaneous tissue

Patients often describe a gentle warmth during sessions as circulation improves and pain eases.

Clinical Evidence

Infrared therapy has demonstrated effectiveness for arthritis, wound healing, and mood disorders, and studies confirm its potential in treating CNBP. A randomized controlled trial found significant reductions in back pain with regular IR therapy sessions. Another study noted that light therapy improved mood and reduced pain perception, highlighting the close relationship between pain and depression.

Melatonin regulation may also play a role. Since melatonin contributes to pain control, IR light’s influence on circadian rhythm may support both sleep and pain reduction (Kaiyan Medical, 2020).

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Treatment Frequency

The frequency of sessions depends on pain severity. For chronic pain, weekly treatments help manage inflammation and prevent flare-ups. For temporary pain, 2–3 sessions may be sufficient. As with any therapy, patients should consult with professionals to determine the right plan.

The Business Opportunity

The high prevalence of chronic back pain creates demand for safe, drug-free solutions. Infrared light therapy devices offer clinics, wellness centers, and consumers an effective way to manage pain while supporting long-term healing.

At Light Tree Ventures (LTV), we develop ISO13485-certified and FDA-approved infrared therapy devices designed for professional and at-home use. If your company is ready to meet the growing demand for non-invasive pain relief, you can Request a Quote today. Our Private Label Options allow you to design tailored devices, while our White Label Solutions let you Start Your Project Today with ready-to-market products.

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References

• Gravity Float. (n.d.). Infrared light therapy – Pain relief. Gravity Float. Retrieved from https://www.gravityfloat.com.au
• Kaiyan Medical. (2020). Light therapy and bipolar depression: The experts weigh in. Kaiyan Medical. Retrieved from https://www.kaiyanmedical.com/post/light-therapy-bipolar-depression-the-experts-weigh-in
• Kaiyan Medical. (2021). Light therapy for stretch marks. Kaiyan Medical. Retrieved from https://www.kaiyanmedical.com/post/stretch-marks-light-therapy
• National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2006). Infrared therapy for chronic low back pain: A randomized, controlled trial. Pain Research & Management, 11(3), 193–196. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• Oxford University Press. (2021). Short-term effects of bright light therapy in adults with chronic nonspecific back pain. Pain Medicine, 22(5), 1084–1092. https://academic.oup.com

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