Pain treatment: a breakthrough from tradition to innovation

Pain is one of the most common discomforts of human beings. Whether it is the short-term impact of acute pain or the long-term torture of chronic pain, it seriously affects the quality of life of patients. With the continuous advancement of medical technology, the field of pain treatment is also constantly exploring new methods and technologies in order to provide patients with safer and more effective solutions.

1. Limitations of Traditional Pain Treatment

Traditional pain treatments mainly include drug therapy (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, etc.), physical therapy (such as hot compresses, massage, etc.) and surgical treatment (for certain specific causes). However, these methods often have certain limitations. For example, although opioids have significant analgesic effects, long-term use may lead to side effects such as addiction, increased tolerance, and respiratory depression. In addition, for some complex chronic pain, the effects of traditional methods are not ideal.

2. Latest progress in pain treatment

In recent years, with the rapid development of science and technology and in-depth research on pain mechanisms, many innovative treatment methods and technologies have emerged in the field of pain treatment.

Application of virtual reality (VR) technology in pain treatment

Virtual reality technology achieves the effect of relieving pain by building an immersive virtual environment for patients to distract their attention. For example, AppliedVR's RelieVRx solution has achieved significant clinical results in patients with chronic low back pain. After VR treatment, 70% of patients with high-impact chronic pain have reduced their pain levels to low-impact chronic pain levels, and they can still maintain this state 12 months after treatment. In addition, VR technology is also used in the treatment of various types of pain, such as burns, toothache, and cancer pain.

Research and development of new drugs

Cebranopadol : This is a first-in-class oral dual NMR agonist for the treatment of moderate to severe acute pain. In Phase III clinical trials, the drug showed analgesic effects comparable to opioids, but with lower addiction and respiratory depression risks.

GLP-1 receptor agonists : GLP-1 receptor agonists, originally used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, have shown great potential in pain management in recent years. Studies have shown that this type of drug can reduce inflammatory pain, osteoarthritis, neuropathic pain, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy through multiple mechanisms.

Neuromodulation Technology

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) : Stimulating spinal cord nerves through implanted devices to regulate the transmission of pain signals and thus relieve chronic pain. This technology has been widely used to treat refractory chronic pain.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) : A weak electrical current is delivered through electrodes on the skin to stimulate sensory nerves, triggering a natural pain relief response.

3. Future Prospects

With the continuous advancement of science and technology, the field of pain treatment is expected to usher in more breakthroughs. For example, researchers are exploring the combination of gene therapy and cell therapy with traditional treatment methods to develop more personalized pain management solutions. In addition, the application of artificial intelligence and big data technology will also provide more accurate diagnosis and treatment solutions for pain treatment.

In short, pain treatment has gradually evolved from traditional drugs and physical therapy to a multidisciplinary, multi-technical integration. In the future, we expect more innovative technologies to bring hope to pain patients, helping them get rid of pain and regain a healthy and happy life.