excerpts of the thesis:

Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for greater than 12 weeks (TaskForce, 1994) and currently affects roughly 30% of the population in the United States (Johannes et al., 2010). The most common method for managing chronic pain has traditionally been pharmacological (Nalamachu, 2013). These treatments often include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), opioids, acetaminophen, and anticonvulsants (Nalamachu, 2013).

Studies have demonstrated that LLLT may have positive effects on symptomology associated with chronic pain (Fulop et al., 2010; Hsieh and Lee, 2013);

Pain is a very complex condition that manifests itself in a variety of different forms. Perhaps there is no set standard of care that will encompass everyone’s needs. However, it is clear that LLLT may be beneficial for many individuals suffering from pain, regardless of the condition that is causing it.