Mar 14
2023
5 Ways Pain Management Has Advanced with Technology
According to a report, about 50 million (20.4%) American adults had chronic pain, while 19.6 million (8%) experienced high-impact chronic pain. Sadly, researchers and doctors are discovering that painkillers, including over-the-counter medications and potent opioids, may not lessen specific kinds of chronic pain or enhance the quality of life. However, technological advancements have helped make chronic pain treatments more effective, affordable, and accessible.
With the help of technology, chronic pain sufferers can track physical symptoms as they happen, recognize environmental factors that impact pain levels, spot early depression and anxiety warning signs, and more. Here are five ways pain management has advanced with technology.
Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT)
EPAT, also called shockwave therapy, is a non-invasive treatment alternative for relieving pain associated with most musculoskeletal conditions, including tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, frozen shoulder, and carpal tunnel syndrome. This solution is FDA-approved, doesn’t have downtime, needs no anesthesia, and doesn’t leave scars.
EPAT treatment utilizes acoustic pressure or shock waves to improve blood circulation while speeding up recovery. It can effectively address chronic and acute pain, including knee, foot, heel, hamstring, ankle, back, shoulder, neck, hand, elbow, and wrist pain. Sports injury-related pain can also be handled using EPAT.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine, also known as telehealth, is a distinctive care model for chronic pain patients. It consists of virtual visits through phone, chat, or video. Chronic pain sufferers experience extra barriers when looking for medical care. Taking an hour or two seated in a vehicle may worsen the pain. With telemedicine, physical medical visits are reduced because people with chronic pain can manage it from anywhere.
While in-person appointments may be essential for injections, this treatment option does great for other procedures, including follow-ups or pain assessments. A telemedicine service can address chronic pain conditions, including lower back, nerve damage, arthritis, cancer-related pain, migraine or facial pain, and pelvic or belly pain.