Highlights
- Far-infrared therapy (FIR) significantly improved 9 of 10 quality-of-life subscales on the SF-36v2.
- Improvements included both physical and mental health domains, with steady progress across four weeks.
- No adverse events were reported.
- The FIR device was used in the workplace with minimal disruption to daily work routines.
Objective
This study aimed to evaluate whether far-infrared (FIR) therapy could effectively relieve chronic low back pain in office workers, testing the hypothesis that pain could be managed while at work using a simple, non-invasive, and safe approach.
Why It Matters
Chronic low back pain is one of the leading causes of lost productivity and absenteeism in the workplace. Identifying therapeutic solutions that are effective, easy to use, and non-disruptive can have a major impact on employee health, comfort, and performance.
Study Design
A cohort study was conducted with 50 office workers experiencing chronic low back pain lasting at least six months.
Participants used a Thermotex TTS Platinum Pad — an FDA-registered far-infrared device — placed on their chairs in contact with the painful area for at least 45 minutes per day during work hours over a 4-week period.
Outcomes were assessed using subscales of the SF-36v2, measuring both physical and mental components of health.
Results
- Statistically significant improvements were observed in 9 of 10 SF-36 subscales, covering physical and psychological well-being.
- The physical component and bodily pain scales showed progressive weekly improvement throughout the 4-week intervention.
- A near-significant improvement was noted in General Health.
- No adverse events were reported, confirming the safety and tolerability of the FIR therapy.
Interpretation
The consistent improvements in pain relief and overall well-being suggest that far-infrared wavelength therapy effectively enhances both physical and emotional aspects of health in individuals with chronic back pain. The results also support the practicality of integrating FIR therapy into the workplace, providing pain relief without interrupting professional activities.
Why This Is Important
This study demonstrates that localized FIR therapy is a safe, accessible, and effective approach for managing chronic low back pain—one of the most common and disabling workplace conditions. The findings highlight its potential as a non-invasive, low-cost, and convenient method to promote physical comfort and quality of life during daily work activities.
Reference: Ervolino, F., & Gazze, R. (2015). Far infrared wavelength treatment for low back pain: Evaluation of a non-invasive device. Work (Reading, Mass.), 53(1), 157–162. doi: 10.3233/WOR-152152
Figure 1 – Physical components summary means and standard deviations over 4 weeks.
Figure 2 – Bodily pain means and standard deviations over 4 weeks.