Virtual Reality: A New Tool for Manahawkin Back Pain Recovery
THE SCIENCE BEHIND VR AND PAIN RELIEF
New groundbreaking research published in Scientific Reports has shown that virtual reality can plainly alter how your brain processes pain signals. The study found that patients with chronic low back pain experienced modified pain perception during movement when using VR systems with visual feedback. (1) This isn't just distraction – your brain is changing how it responds to movements that usually trigger discomfort.
The key is how VR changes visual feedback to create a mismatch between what you see and what you feel, allowing your nervous system to develop new, pain-free movement patterns. This innovative finding suggests that VR can help break the cycle of pain-avoidance that often keeps people with Manahawkin back pain from getting the exercise they need.
TARGETING YOUR DEEP SPINAL MUSCLES
A significant challenge in back pain recovery involves strengthening the lumbar erector spinae – the deep muscles that run along your spine and help stabilize it. In people with chronic back pain, these muscles commonly become weak and less coordinated which creates a vicious cycle of instability and further pain.
New research published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology points out that these muscles display different fatigue patterns and spatial distribution alterations in older adults compared to younger persons, highlighting the importance of age-appropriate, targeted training. (2) VR systems can offer instant feedback about muscle activation, teaching you how to effectively engage these deep stabilizing muscles that are typically challenging to feel and manage.
THE FUTURE OF REHABILITATION
Virtual reality allows for the combination of pain science with interactive, engaging exercise. By providing instant visual feedback about your movement patterns and muscle activation, VR can help you improve your body's natural movement patterns while making the process more engaging and effective.
Ask your Manahawkin chiropractor at Manahawkin Chiropractic Center about incorporating VR-based exercises into your treatment plan – it might just be the key to unlocking your path to lasting back pain relief.
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