Pain is an uncomfortable, often debilitating experience for many people. In the face of this, scientists and researchers are constantly on the lookout for new, innovative ways to treat discomfort. Pain management, for example, is a rapidly-evolving field of medicine, with new and improved treatments being researched and developed all the time. Here, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most recent advances in treating discomfort, and pain management in particular.
Application of Technology
The use of technology in the medical field has dramatically improved over the last few years, and that trend shows no sign of stopping. Innovations in pain management are no exception – there are now a number of treatments that utilize technology in the form of wearables and other devices.
One example of such a device is the neurostimulator, a small device that is implanted near the spinal cord. This device sends electric pulses to the nervous system in order to inhibit pain signals from reaching the brain. Namely, it blocks the signals from being perceived as painful, and can really help those suffering from chronic pain.
Good old-fashioned electrical stimulation has also been all the rage in pain management circles, but now, doctors and researchers are being a bit more innovative with it. The combination of low-level laser therapy and electrical stimulation is proving to be highly effective for treating discomfort in both muscles and joints. Low-level laser therapy has previously been utilized in other medical treatments, yet the combination with electrical stimulation is a relatively new innovation that is starting to gain popularity.
Emergence of New Treatments
The same holds true for new treatments such as regenerative medicine, which is gaining a lot of attention and increasing in popularity. Often considered a form of “stem cell therapy”, this method entails the use of the patient’s own cells, which are manipulated in the laboratory to accelerate the body’s natural healing processes. Cells involved in regenerative medicine include platelets, white blood cells, stem cells, and proteins, among others. While the majority of regenerative treatments are currently focused on treating joint injuries, the potential for treating chronic pain using this method is promising.
Similarly, a new, non-invasive treatment known as radiofrequency ablation has been gaining recognition for its promising potential as a treatment for pain management. It works by blocking the pain receptors in the affected area, and can be used to target specific joints or nerve pain. This is achieved through the use of a radiofrequency generating device and is extremely beneficial to patients who are looking for drug-free solutions to chronic discomfort.
Exciting Times Ahead
The field of pain management is constantly in flux and new and exciting developments are being made almost every day. Technology is being utilized in ever more innovative ways, while new treatments, such as regenerative medicine, are emerging on the scene. The advances we’ve discussed here and those yet to come are certainly helping to improve the quality of life for thousands of people across the world with uncomfortable and often debilitating conditions. Exciting times are ahead for pain management, and it is only a matter of time before we see some truly remarkable treatments that will revolutionize the field.