VR and video-based approaches are still being studied, but their relatively low cost–especially with newer VR devices–and ease of use could make them easier to scale than some in-person, non-drug pain treatments. For now, their reach remains limited by awareness and access.
“We don’t have a good system in place to make sure individuals have access to the care they need,” says Nicole Hemmenway, CEO of the U.S. Pain Foundation. “There’s a lot of interesting, amazing digital health tools, but I think it works different for every single person. At the end of the day pain is so individualized.” Insurance companies, she adds, are unlikely to cover experimental treatments.
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