Virtual reality therapy: A promising solution to chronic pain management amidst an opioid crisis

Ahmed, Huda; Mushahid, Hasan; Shuja, Muhammad Hamza

doi:10.7189/jogh.13.03033

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…These multi-modal effects can induce neuroplastic changes by altering sensory perception and modulating pain-related neural processing. At the cellular level, VR also has a role in inhibiting molecular mechanisms involved in CS [111,112].…”

Section: Psychological Approachesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Psycho-Neuroendocrinology in the Rehabilitation Field: Focus on the Complex Interplay between Stress and Pain

Bonanno,

Papa,

Cerasa

et al. 2024

Medicina

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Chronic stress and chronic pain share neuro-anatomical, endocrinological, and biological features. However, stress prepares the body for challenging situations or mitigates tissue damage, while pain is an unpleasant sensation due to nociceptive receptor stimulation. When pain is chronic, it might lead to an allostatic overload in the body and brain due to the chronic dysregulation of the physiological systems that are normally involved in adapting to environmental challenges. Managing stress and chronic pain (CP) in neurorehabilitation presents a significant challenge for healthcare professionals and researchers, as there is no definitive and effective solution for these issues. Patients suffering from neurological disorders often complain of CP, which significantly reduces their quality of life. The aim of this narrative review is to examine the correlation between stress and pain and their potential negative impact on the rehabilitation process. Moreover, we described the most relevant interventions used to manage stress and pain in the neurological population. In conclusion, this review sheds light on the connection between chronic stress and chronic pain and their impact on the neurorehabilitation pathway. Our results emphasize the need for tailored rehabilitation protocols to effectively manage pain, improve treatment adherence, and ensure comprehensive patient care.

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Section: Psychological Approachesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Psycho-Neuroendocrinology in the Rehabilitation Field: Focus on the Complex Interplay between Stress and Pain

Bonanno,

Papa,

Cerasa

et al. 2024

Medicina

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“…At the molecular level, VR therapy reduces NMDA receptor activation and neuropeptide release involved in spinal cord hyperexcitability based on animal studies. It normalizes elevated COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels associated with neuroinflammation in pain pathways [ 312 ]. At the cellular level, VR therapy decreases dorsal horn neuron firing and wind-up in response to repeated stimuli.…”

Section: Types Of Ninptmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multimodal non-invasive non-pharmacological therapies for chronic pain: mechanisms and progress

Shi,

2023

BMC Med

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Background Chronic pain conditions impose significant burdens worldwide. Pharmacological treatments like opioids have limitations. Non-invasive non-pharmacological therapies (NINPT) encompass diverse interventions including physical, psychological, complementary and alternative approaches, and other innovative techniques that provide analgesic options for chronic pain without medications. Main body This review elucidates the mechanisms of major NINPT modalities and synthesizes evidence for their clinical potential across chronic pain populations. NINPT leverages peripheral, spinal, and supraspinal mechanisms to restore normal pain processing and limit central sensitization. However, heterogeneity in treatment protocols and individual responses warrants optimization through precision medicine approaches. Conclusion Future adoption of NINPT requires addressing limitations in standardization and accessibility as well as synergistic combination with emerging therapies. Overall, this review highlights the promise of NINPT as a valuable complementary option ready for integration into contemporary pain medicine paradigms to improve patient care and outcomes.

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Virtual reality therapy: A promising solution to chronic pain management amidst an opioid crisis

Cited by 2 publications

References 14 publications

Psycho-Neuroendocrinology in the Rehabilitation Field: Focus on the Complex Interplay between Stress and Pain

Psycho-Neuroendocrinology in the Rehabilitation Field: Focus on the Complex Interplay between Stress and Pain

Multimodal non-invasive non-pharmacological therapies for chronic pain: mechanisms and progress

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