Know Pain Know Gain: proposing a treatment approach for phantom limb pain
Phantom limb pain affects 50–80% of amputees and is difficult to manage. This review summarizes pathophysiology and proposes a clinically informed treatment approach for combat-related amputations.
Phantom limb pain: A literature review
This review summarizes definitions, proposed mechanisms, and available treatments for phantom limb phenomena. Despite advances, a comprehensive unified framework remains lacking.
The Efficacy of Virtual Reality on the Rehabilitation of Musculoskeletal Diseases: Umbrella Review
Umbrella review of 14 meta-analyses found VR reduces musculoskeletal pain and improves function and psychological outcomes, though evidence shows substantial heterogeneity.
Immersive and Nonimmersive Virtual Reality–Assisted Active Training in Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
28 RCTs show VR-assisted training reduces chronic musculoskeletal pain. Nonimmersive VR benefits low back pain; immersive VR modestly improves neck pain.
The State of Science in the Use of Virtual Reality in the Treatment of Acute and Chronic Pain
Scoping review of 70 studies found VR effectively reduces acute and chronic pain. Distraction dominated acute pain studies, embodiment chronic. Adverse events were rarely assessed.
Virtual Reality for Pediatric Postoperative Pain Management: Exploring Methods and Efficacy
VR offers a promising nonpharmacological approach for pediatric postoperative pain through multisensory distraction and emotional modulation.
Innovative Technology Using Virtual Reality in the Treatment of Pain: Does It Reduce Pain via Distraction, or Is There More to It?
This review shows that VR reduces pain primarily through distraction, with emerging evidence for additional mechanisms like conditioning and exposure.
Effect of Virtual Reality on Pain Management and Opioid Use Among Hospitalized Patients After Head and Neck Surgery
In a pilot randomized trial after head and neck surgery, immersive VR significantly reduced postoperative pain and opioid use compared with a 2D control.
Randomized, Crossover Study of Immersive Virtual Reality to Decrease Opioid Use During Painful Wound Care Procedures
Immersive VR during wound care reduced opioid use compared with standard care. Most patients preferred IVR, supporting it as an effective analgesic distraction.
Virtual reality for management of pain in hospitalized patients: A randomized comparative effectiveness trial
This randomized trial shows that on-demand VR significantly reduced pain in hospitalized patients compared with health-and-wellness TV, with strongest effects in those with severe pain.