The medical field is constantly trying to improve its practice, knowledge, and medications. More than a third of Americans experience chronic pain, and that number continues to grow each year.
Because of this fact, a lot of researchers and medical facilities have been searching for breakthroughs in pain relief.
Here are some of the more notable developments over the last years.
TENS Device
While transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) devices have been around for some time, it only recently became available as an over-the-counter solution.
This type of therapy enhances pain relief for acute joint and muscle pain. It works by sending electric pulses across the skin and along your nerves. By doing this, it prevents pain signals from reaching the brain.
The electrical stimulation can also help produce the release of endorphins which promote natural pain relief. There are devices available that combine TENS with heat therapy. This is already used by many physical therapists.
Radiofrequency (RF) Ablation Devices
RF ablation devices were created to be a minimally invasive alternative to having surgery. They work by using heat that’s generated from a medium frequency alternating current. That current is typically between 350 kHz and 500 kHz.
This works by denervating tissues that are part of the peripheral nervous systems. It has many benefits, including reducing the need for surgery and surgery-related complications, minimal side effects, and faster recovery time.
Moreover, the device is easily available and cost-effective.
3D Printing
3D printing has countless uses and it has been amazing to watch the technology develop. Aside from revolutionizing things like prosthetics and transplants, it can be very beneficial for people experiencing chronic pain.
With the accuracy and flexibility of 3D printing, devices can be matched to the exact specifications of a patient. By doing this, the devices have a greater acceptance by the body. It increases the comfort of the treatment and improves performance outcomes.
It can also be used to replicate patient-specific organs that can be used for practice before complicated operations.
Lastly, the medical and pharmaceutical industries have been working to 3D print pills that a personalized to each individual. By doing this, pills can have individualized doses and custom combinations of different drugs.
While it’s not widely available to the public, it is an exciting new development.
Probuphine
This new development is an implant that is used to treat opioid dependence. The implant works by automatically administering low doses of buprenorphine to opioid-dependent patients.
While buprenorphine tablets are widely available, the probuphine implant eliminates the need to take multiple pills throughout the day.
Another benefit of having an implant is there is no risk of forgetting to take your medication and it can’t be lost or stolen. Additionally, the medication gets evenly dispersed throughout the body and is effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms.
Virtual and Mixed Reality
While virtual reality (VR) has been around for quite some time in the gaming world, its use in healthcare has picked up steam in recent years.
The use of this computer technology to create simulated environments is perfect for healthcare professionals looking to sharpen their skills and knowledge. The simulation training provided by these products has enhanced medical schooling at many universities and colleges.
When it comes to patients dealing with chronic or acute pain, VR can immerse them into a full-body sensory experience. VR pain control therapy is being studied as an adjunct or potential replacement to traditional therapy.
ActiPatch®
ActiPatch is a drug-free, non-invasive electroceutical device. It works by using electromagnetic fields to modulate efferent nerve activity.
By pulsing signals at 1 kHz into painful tissue, it prevents the brain from adapting to the stimulus and dampens its’ perception of pain. Clinical trials done on ActiPatch have indicated efficacy in reducing pain and restoring normal function in patients.
Summary
The world of medicine will never stop growing and adapting. With chronic pain more prevalent than ever, it is always worth keeping an eye on new developments in pain relief medicine.
The efficacy of these new treatments is still being tested in some cases, but they’re all worth mentioning to your doctor. If you’re looking for the ultimate pain relief product, get Capsiva!
Capsiva works by blocking your pain signals and enhancing your body’s natural healing process. Order yours today!