Managing chronic pain has never been easy or straightforward. Most patients try a few different treatments before they find one that really works, and you often have to be wary of side effects when using any medication long-term. However, a new option is emerging for patients with chronic pain: virtual reality. It may sound strange at first, but the same VR technology that makes you feel like you're in a video game can help ease your chronic pain. Here are some common questions patients have upon first learning this information.
How does virtual reality ease pain?
To put it simply, virtual reality has the potential to reduce pain by altering your mental state. You may have noticed that you experience more pain when you are stressed out, anxious, or on-edge. You experience less pain when you are calm, relaxed, and perhaps even in a meditative state. Virtual reality programs for pain control are designed to calm your mind, which in turn can ease your pain. The VR will put you in situations that make you feel happy, stress-free, and at-ease.
What kinds of situations might VR put you in?
Most VR for pain programs come with several "experiences" you can choose from. Each experience will be carefully designed to alter your cognition in very specific ways that result in a reduction in certain neurotransmitters associated with pain. Which program you choose, however, is up to you. If you find beaches relaxing, you may want to choose a VR experience that takes you along the beach. If you prefer sitting quietly on a mountaintop, you may want to choose a VR experience with that setting. Patients often try a few programs to figure out which ones work best for them and which have the greatest appeal.
Is VR compatible with other pain therapies?
Absolutely! In fact, most doctors who recommend using VR therapy for pain recommend using it in conjunction with other treatments. You don't have to discontinue your medications to use VR for pain. You can also keep up with other therapies like massage, chiropractic care, and acupuncture if you so choose. There are no known side effects of VR therapy, other than it making some people feel too sleepy.
If your doctor suggests using VR such as AppliedVR to control your chronic pain, you may want to give it a try. It sounds silly at first, but it can make a huge difference in the level of pain you experience.
