Sufferers of Chronic Pain Find Relief in Virtual Reality

Guest: Diane Gromala, PhD, Professor and Canada Research Chair in the School of Interactive Arts and Technology, Simon Fraser University Overdose deaths due to opioids, including prescription pain killers and heroin, have more than doubled in the US over the last ten years. Meanwhile, those who suffer from chronic pain have a tough choice: is it worth the risk of opioid addiction to relieve constant pain? Some patients don’t even have the choice anymore, as doctors stop prescribing opiate painkillers so readily. A new alternative is emerging with the help of tech companies and game designers. Some pain patients say the virtual-reality treatment works even better than drugs.