Pain management is a vital aspect of healthcare. More than 20 percent of adults in the United States suffer from chronic pain, and patients constantly rely on painkillers like opioids to relieve pain. However, time and research have revealed that some of these medications do not effectively address some kinds of pain, and others might even be dangerous. Studies show that over 2 million Americans are addicted to narcotic painkillers such as hydrocodone and morphine.
With the aid of technology, experts continue to research the understanding and treatment of pain to provide alternative forms of treatment. This field of medicine has experienced accelerated growth in recent years, and experts have developed various AI and tech tools to treat pain and aid the process of healthcare delivery.
One of the modern technological developments in pain management is the use of radiofrequency ablation devices. This form of therapy treats chronic pain conditions, cancer pain, peripheral nerve pain, and geriatric pain, a persistent pain that affects the elderly. Radiofrequency therapy uses heat to ablate a small volume of nerve tissue, interrupting pain signals and preventing them from being sent back to the brain. It is an available and cost-effective alternative to surgery, and demand for this technology is projected to increase.
Another technology-based treatment is the use of implant technology. Physicians use this to treat severe pain where less invasive methods are ineffective. One of the most common forms of implant technology is spinal cord stimulators. This technology is used by placing electrodes between the patient’s spinal cord and their vertebrae. The physician then places a battery pack, known as the generator, under the patient’s skin. This device relieves pain by sending electrical impulses directly into the person’s spinal cord. The patient uses a remote control to do so whenever they feel pain.
The use of virtual reality is also one of the modern pain management methods. Virtual reality is an immersive technology that allows patients to feel like they are in a different world. Although originally developed for entertainment, VR is also useful in various clinical areas. In pain management, it aims to give patients a full-body sensory experience to absolve their minds of the pain. It uses serene environments and sounds to calm the patient and redirect their thought. VR can help control stress and mood while distracting the brain from receiving pain signals.
Technology also plays a significant role in improving various aspects of health care delivery and physician-patient relationships. One of the ways is by tracking pain symptoms as they occur. Patients can use technological software and applications to document how they feel, as well as their energy and sleep levels. Physicians can then use this to monitor the trends to better understand the individual’s condition and develop or adjust treatment plans to the patient’s needs.
Modern software can also help to track other factors that may affect pain levels, like environmental factors and mental health. They can help identify pain triggers and work towards effective intervention plans. Also, as mental health issues can sometimes hinder treatment progress, artificial intelligence can be instrumental in monitoring and managing anxiety and depression.
Technology also provides means of managing these mental health issues using the internet for online support from coaches and peers and cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy aims to alleviate symptoms by influencing the patient’s behavior and perception of pain, positively affecting their quality of life. Online peer-to-peer support is also a great way to help patients navigate their pain and assist in mental health issues.
