Tech Solutions for Chronic Pain
Innovative apps that reduce aches and pain through sound, movement and psychology
Brittany Barreto, Ph.D., is a podcaster, an entrepreneur, and a molecular and human geneticist. (In other words, she’s really smart.) Read her column here each month to learn about what’s happening in the world of technology and innovation in women’s health.
For years I thought I had weak wrists. Sure, pushups and downward-facing dogs were inherently difficult, but the pain these exercises triggered in my wrists was disturbing. Eventually, the pain got worse and activities such as cooking, driving long distances and even certain sexual positions were becoming too painful to do. I began to seriously worry when my knees started to ache as well.
I went to an orthopedic specialist who sent me home, saying my joints looked fine. But just like many people who experience chronic pain, I knew something was wrong.
Lucky for me I was able to trace the pain to an intolerance to gluten. I’ve been wheat-free for eight months, and I feel stronger and healthier than I have in years. Some people say they could never give up bread. But if you’re one of the 1 in 5 people in the U.S. who lives with chronic pain, you can guess that I happily surrendered my cookies and pasta in order to be free from the constant pain.
Read: Learn More About Chronic Pain >>
Chronic pain is really common, especially in women, who make up 70% of people with chronic pain. And, thankfully, more companies are creating tools people can use to manage pain. Here are some of the newest technologies for chronic pain relief.
Lin — a brain-based approach
Lin, an online platform for chronic pain, is looking to redefine chronic pain from “all in your head” to “also in your head.” I remember I still winced when picking up a pot of water expecting an electric pain in my wrist for weeks after being gluten-free.
When we have pain for too long, our minds come to expect it through complicated interactions between the brain, nervous system and body. The Lin program educates users on patterns, habits and mindsets that could be making their pain worse, and teaches them how to break from this cycle to get relief.
This integrated digital health app has millions of users and incorporates psychology, neuroscience, pain reprocessing therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, emotional awareness and expression therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy.
Lin Health reports that 90% of members show reductions in pain within four to six months. What is not a pain for some members is the price tag since Lin is covered by some insurance providers in three states and accepts FSA/HSA payments.
Innovative apps that reduce aches and pain through sound, movement and psychology
Innovative apps that reduce aches and pain through sound, movement and psychology
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