Virtual Reality (VR) technology is reportedly making a profound impact on the healthcare industry, with hospitals and healthcare systems increasingly incorporating VR into their treatment protocols, offering innovative solutions for a range of medical conditions.
CNBC reports that one of the primary applications of VR in healthcare is for pain management. Dr. Brennan Spiegel, director of health services research at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, told CNBC that VR has the potential to manage both the physical and emotional components of pain. By focusing the patient’s attention away from the pain, VR can effectively reduce the brain signals that trigger painful sensations. This is apparently particularly beneficial for patients who find traditional methods like opioids to be ineffective.
According to CNBC, Cedars-Sinai is developing a VR platform designed to assist people with gastrointestinal issues such as Crohn’s, celiac, and acid reflux. Beyond gastrointestinal health, the platform is also being tailored to address mental health conditions like anxiety, addiction, and perimenopausal health.
Per CNBC’s report, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) uses VR in over 160 facilities for various applications, including pain management, behavioral therapy, and both physical and cognitive rehabilitation.
Caitlin Rawlins, the immersive program manager at the VA, shared with CNBC the transformative impact of VR on patients. Rawlins was particularly struck by the immediate response from patients. She recalled an instance involving a man in his 80s who had just undergone knee replacement surgery. Despite the severe pain that even opioids couldn’t alleviate, the man experienced significant pain relief after just a few minutes in VR.
“Just using that for a simple 30-minute session can mean the difference between excruciating pain, unable to do the exercises and the ambulation that they need to, to actually get up and move and get ready to go home,” Rawlins said.
Featured Image via Midjourney
