Ah, back pain. The silent, but oh-so-painful enemy of desk jockeys and couch potatoes worldwide. It's a leading cause of disability, and let's face it, the treatments available right now aren't exactly wowing us with their effectiveness.
But what if I told you there's a new player in the game, one that could help you say goodbye to chronic low back pain for good?
That's right, I'm talking about virtual reality.
Virtual Reality Therapy
Now, I know what you're thinking. "Virtual reality? How is that supposed to help my back pain?" Well, my friend, let me tell you. Virtual reality (or VR for short) is a fancy, high-tech way of saying "video games". And as it turns out, playing video games can actually be good for your back. Who knew?
In a recent study, researchers used VR to create a gamified graded activity program for people with chronic low back pain (CLBP). The program used both commercially available and custom VR games to encourage exercise adherence and enjoyment. And guess what? It worked!
Pain reduction
Participants in the study experienced a significant reduction in pain intensity, with some even achieving a minimum important change of at least 30% pain reduction. Not only that, but the VR program also had a positive effect on pain catastrophizing, which is a fancy way of saying that people were worrying less about their pain. And let's be real, we all know that worrying about our pain just makes it worse.
But why does VR work so well for back pain? Well, for starters, it's a fun and engaging way to exercise. Instead of dreading your daily workout routine, you can strap on a VR headset and be transported to a virtual world where you can fight monsters, explore new worlds, and get your sweat on without even realising it.
Plus, VR allows for a level of customisation that traditional exercise programs just can't match. With VR, you can tailor your workout to your specific needs and abilities, making it more effective and enjoyable in the process.
So, the next time you're feeling down about your back pain, remember that VR might just be the solution you've been looking for. It's time to gamify your exercise routine and say goodbye to chronic low back pain!
And the best part?
The VR games used in the program were freely available, making it easy to translate into clinical practice. So, grab your favourite VR headset, put on some comfy clothes, and get ready to level up your workout routine. Your back (and your mind) will thank you.
Want to read more about VR and healthcare, click the link below.
