excerpts of the thesis:

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to assess the degree of pain relief obtained by applying infrared (IR) energy to the low back in patients with chronic, intractable low back pain.

....The principle measure of outcome was pain rated on the numerical rating scale (NRS).

RESULTS:
The mean NRS scores in the treatment group fell from 6.9 of 10 to 3 of 10 at the end of the study.
The mean NRS in the placebo group fell from 7.4 of 10 to 6 of 10.

CONCLUSION: The IR therapy unit used was demonstrated to be effective in reducing chronic low back pain, and no adverse effects were observed.

....In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, the IR wrap has clearly demonstrated that it is easy to use, safe and effective, and reduced chronic back pain by 50% over six weeks.