Clinical efficacy study of LED red and infrared light therapy for chronic non-specific low back pain

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of an LED red and infrared light therapy for the treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain. From September to December 2022, 176 patients diagnosed with chronic non-specific low back pain were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group (n = 89) and the control group (n = 87). The experimental group received treatment with the test device (630 + 850 nm, 15 + 6 mW/cm²) combined with rehabilitation training, whereas the control group received a sham device (630 nm, 1 mW/cm²) alongside rehabilitation training. After 28 days of treatment, clinical efficacy was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score. The total effective rate was 80.90% in the experimental group and 27.59% in the control group, with a rate difference of 53.31%. The experimental group showed significantly better outcomes compared to the control group.(p < 0.0001). The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.0001). No serious adverse events occurred during the trial, and all reported adverse events were unrelated to the device. The LED red and infrared light therapy device may serve as a safe and beneficial intervention for chronic nonspecific low back pain. Trial registration number: ChiCTR2600117704 (Retrospectively registered). Date of registration: 2026-01-28.