From the hospital to home: how immersive reality combats chronic pain

According to the World Health Organization, " chronic pain is a disease , and its treatment is a human right." Because living with pain goes far beyond the perceived discomfort. "It often limits the ability to work, enjoy life, and take care of oneself," according to the Spanish Pain Society .

The society's patient portal states that "there have been many advances in the field of medicine over the last decade, but unfortunately, there are still no cures for many types of pain." Therefore, research continues, even in areas beyond pharmacological treatments. The goal is to incorporate innovative technologies and multidisciplinary approaches that help the more than nine million people who suffer from chronic pain in Spain.

Virtual reality is one such field. In fact, various studies claim it can help reduce pain and anxiety in chronic patients, as well as improve personal autonomy and treatment adherence. This is also evident from a pioneering experience launched by the startup Broomx in some Spanish hospitals.

Post-surgical patients with neuropathic pain or undergoing rehabilitation after suffering a stroke have participated in this experience at centers such as the Olot and Regional Hospital Foundation of La Garrotxa , the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital , and the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital , among others.

360º video projection

Although these projections were initially intended to relieve anxiety, they appear to have also achieved results in reducing pain. According to Broomx founder Ignasi Capellá, "in interventions where we specifically seek pain reduction, this is closely linked to perception."

Several studies claim that virtual reality can help reduce pain and anxiety in chronic patients.

And he gives an example: "Immersive reality greatly influences emotional regulation. It's an excellent tool for this purpose: for psychoeducation and for teaching emotional self-regulation techniques, such as mindfulness and breathing, which allow for a lower perception of pain."

Nature or vicissitudes

Regarding the type of videos shown, Capellá states that "it depends on the use and the objective of the session, but in general, very relaxing images are used, especially with natural landscapes such as beaches, rivers, and mountains... Sometimes, with guided meditation and mindfulness audios."

Another option is avatars of the patients themselves, who have to repeat movements they see on screen. These are cases in which the patient's participation is sought. On other occasions, "more abstract, even psychedelic " images can be used. Others prefer musical concerts .

One of the advantages of this use of virtual reality is that sessions can be longer than those of conventional virtual reality, as they do not cause dizziness or fatigue. Specifically, "they typically last between 15 and 30 minutes for individual sessions and 30 to 60 minutes for group sessions." Furthermore, they are suitable for children, adolescents, and adults. All you need to do is adapt the images and sound to the intended audience .

Program suitable for taking home

The use of avatar images has also been brought into the homes of patients with chronic lower back pain. They were used for three weeks for 20 minutes daily. “The avatar had the face of each participant and moved in sync with them to perform therapeutic exercises, games, and relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or tai chi,” said the researcher's lead author, physiotherapist Tony Donegan, from IDIBAPS , a biomedical research center affiliated with the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona. “The patients reduced their self-reported disability and the pain's interference with daily life,” the researcher concludes.