Very much trial and error. I have benn searching and trying for 6 months and had two coaches. I put in a program and light level and give it at least 2-3 days. I am still taking gabapentin and tramadol but have reduced the amount. After a few days I will increase the level and evaluate. I have even gone down, back to a lower light level to re-examine and compare. I don’t think I will ever be free of some pain medication as I have neuropathy in both lower legs as well as scoliosis. My goal is to greatly reduce lower back/hip pain and reduce left thigh pain (a result of the turn in my spinal column and the nerve being pinched at that point)
I hope this is worthwhile information and I realize everyone is so different in their needs and also their pain tolerance.