Virtual reality-based analgesia: towards a novel framework for the biopsychosocial management of chronic pain

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) holds unmeasured potential as a multicomponent tool for managing chronic pain by adapting conventional in-person biopsychosocial pain management strategies into one virtual space. We review recent evidence showcasing the successful integration of cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, embodiment techniques, and physical therapy into VR environments, demonstrating positive outcomes in patients with chronic pain. We propose that future clinical and basic research build on this by integrating pain neuroscience techniques to help better understand pathophysiological pain mechanisms and treatment response. This could help facilitate early assessment and personalised treatment of chronic pain using a VR-based biopsychosocial approach.