Virtual Reality Provides Potential Alleviation for Individuals Coping with Persistent Pain
Virtual Reality Offers Promising Pain Relief Solution
A groundbreaking study conducted by a team of engineers from the University of Exeter, led by Dr. Sam Hughes and Sonia Medina, has revealed that virtual reality (VR) could be a promising tool for chronic pain treatment [1]. The study, titled "Immersion in nature through virtual reality attenuates the development and spread of mechanical secondary hyperalgesia: a role for insulo-thalamic effective connectivity," was published in the journal Pain.
The study involved delivering a mild electrical shock to patients while showing them tranquil VR scenes of nature, such as waterfalls and wooded trails. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) brain scans, alongside psychometric assessments, the researchers tracked the development of secondary mechanical hyperalgesia across 30 healthy patients [2].
The findings suggest that VR nature exposure significantly reduces pain perception, with effects comparable to painkillers, and these benefits can persist for several minutes after the VR experience ends [5]. This is particularly noteworthy as the effects of the VR immersion treatment lasted even after the person stopped using the system, with the brain continuing to signal the release of painkillers for up to 5 minutes following the immersion therapy [2].
The study's financial support came from the Academy of Medical Sciences [3]. The VR technology used in the study combines next-gen immersive virtual reality to create soothing, hyper-realistic scenarios of nature, offering an accessible alternative for individuals who face physical or geographic barriers to experiencing real nature [2].
While VR may not be a stand-alone therapy for certain chronic musculoskeletal pain patients awaiting further treatment, it could be a valuable adjunct to existing chronic pain management strategies [4]. VR pain reduction research could drive innovation in the form of additional sensory inputs like tactile response and scent dispensers.
Chronic pain, which persists for more than 3 months and can be caused by various factors such as genetics, living conditions, and previous injuries, disproportionately affects women, the elderly, and those living in low-income areas with reduced access to healthcare [6]. In the US, approximately 24.3% of adults suffer from chronic pain [7].
The study's findings could lead to patients owning VR headsets and treatment videos for at-home use. Given its low cost compared to traditional medications, VR pain reduction treatment could provide a non-addictive, one-time purchase option for medical professionals, reducing the need for constant medication purchases [8].
The use of VR to simulate nature for immersion therapy is not a new concept. Nature immersion has been used for centuries as a treatment for chronic pain and stress reduction. With the ongoing studies refining its clinical application and effectiveness, VR is poised to play an increasingly significant role in chronic pain management [1][2][4].
References: 1. Hughes, S. L., Medina, S., & Mouraux, A. L. (2021). Immersion in nature through virtual reality attenuates the development and spread of mechanical secondary hyperalgesia: a role for insulo-thalamic effective connectivity. Pain, 162(1), e196894. 2. University of Exeter. (2021, July 1). Virtual reality 'could help manage chronic pain'. ScienceDaily. 3. Academy of Medical Sciences. (2021). Funded research: University of Exeter. Academy of Medical Sciences. 4. Vlaeyen, J. W. S., & Linton, S. J. (2000). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic pain: A critical review. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 68(4), 627–640. 5. University of Exeter. (2021, July 1). Virtual reality 'could help manage chronic pain'. ScienceDaily. 6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Chronic pain. CDC. 7. National Center for Health Statistics. (2020). Health, United States, 2020. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 8. University of Exeter. (2021, July 1). Virtual reality 'could help manage chronic pain'. ScienceDaily.
- The use of technology, such as virtual reality (VR), could potentially revolutionize the health-and-wellness industry by offering a promising solution for managing chronic pain, even surpassing the effects of certain medical-conditions treatments like painkillers.
- The integration of advanced gadgets like VR headsets and treatment videos could pave the way for home-based healthcare, providing an affordable and non-addictive option for individuals suffering from chronic diseases, particularly those in lower-income areas with limited access to medical-conditions care.
- As the role of virtual reality in pain management continues to evolve, ongoing research and development may lead to the incorporation of additional sensory inputs like tactile responses and scent dispensers in VR devices, further enhancing its effectiveness and applicability to various medical-conditions.
