Chronic pain is among the most debilitating and common illnesses. Nearly 20 percent of adults in the U.S. suffer from chronic pain. The need for effective therapy plays a significant role in new pain medicine technologies. Neuromodulation approaches developed with the understanding of the effect therapeutic stimulation has on the nervous system’s electrical signals.
Novel devices that include spinal and peripheral stimulators treat complex pain syndromes, such as spine pain syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, low back pain, refractory axial neck pain, and painful diabetic neuropathy. The technological improvements include standard surgical techniques, miniature devices, waveform innovations, novel neural targets, and a heightened understanding of action mechanisms.
They contribute to increased safety and data that support better patient outcomes, reduction in pain that improves the quality of life and function, satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness. The growth in pain therapeutics is a hopeful and exciting sign for patients and physicians seeking relief.
How Can Wearable Health Technology Benefit Chronic Pain Sufferers
There are several ways wearable health technology helps with chronic pain. They include
- Monitoring systems
- More precise care
- Motivation
Wearable health technology monitors and tracks health systems such as heart rate, blood pressure, sleep quality, and more. It collects data and gives detailed reports of a person’s symptoms, making it easier to track and report to a doctor. More accurate reports allow doctors to offer more precise care. They tailor pain management techniques to their patients’ needs.
Wearable health technology is an excellent motivator to eat well, stay hydrated, and be active. People using wearable technology find it manageable and fun to reach goals when a device keeps logs of achievement. Studies show people who suffer from chronic pain benefit from knowing more about their health.
Innovation in Wearable Technology
The battery life of wearables varies from one day to six months. A button-sized Intel Curie chip plays a role in the future of wearable technology. Its low-power foundation listens and senses while using nearly no power. The chip sleeps while monitoring. There is no drain on the battery.
Wearables include a bionic sleeve that is battery-operated. It features breathable mesh that ensures a snug fit. The sleeve supports sequential, graduated pressure application with a pre-calibrated 30-70 mmHg pressure range. It aids in therapies and rehabilitation after surgeries and injuries.
Soon, people who want an easy way to ensure they remember their monitoring device have the option of a smart tattoo. Smart wigs having sensing capabilities provide personalized health insights and monitor vital signs. BST designs forward-thinking products and solutions.
Why Wearable Technology Helps Chronic Pain Sufferers
Recent advances in wearable technology offer a promising opportunity to predict pain and other subjective pain measurements. They have the potential to be highly accurate tools to evaluate changes in a person’s quality of life. Some evidence suggests people willing to use wearable health technology for extended periods experience an improvement in depression and decreased use of opioids.
Wearable technology, such as Whoops, Oura Rings, Apple Watches, Fitbits, and other devices is a convenient means of collecting personal data about health trends. It includes information about total activity levels, sleep duration, and heart rate variability. Most new devices use electrical stimulation to mask or block pain signals. Electrical stimulation reaches into the body and interacts and coordinates what happens in the body. It is non-invasive and non-pharmacological.
Recap
Wearable technology is a rapidly growing field with many innovations emerging. Researchers like BST develop new means of producing and testing products. Possible innovations of the future are watches that tell when you are ill, an exoskeleton that predicts and prevents falls, and artificial skin that senses pressures and temperature.
Projects currently in the works are smart clothing, beacon technology, senior care, and heart monitors. Smart clothing, fitness trackers, and smartwatches are among the most exciting wearable technology innovations. The wearable technology field is constantly evolving.
There are many exciting developments to anticipate in the future. Potentially, the innovations produce powerful therapies that improve the lives of those who suffer from chronic pain. As new technology gives rise to new understanding and perspectives on pain, it inspires the development of new technology.
Author: Brittany Cotton
Published by: International Pain Foundation, iPain Blog, Team iPain
