Using Virtual Reality Applications for Younger Patients With Chronic Pain

Use of Virtual Reality in Outpatient Management of Pediatric Chronic Pain of Head, Neck and Upper Extremity

In this study, patients who are 7-21 years of age and have chronic pain affecting their head, neck, and/or upper limb will participate in 6 once-weekly sessions. During each of these hour-long sessions, participants will engage in physical therapy exercises, use virtual reality games focused on moving the head, neck and arm, and complete questionnaires about their pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients 7-21 years of age
• Patients who have been evaluated in the pediatric chronic pain clinic during the enrollment period or last 12 months
• Patients who have a diagnosis of migraine, chronic neck pain, chronic shoulder or scapular pain, chronic pain of the upper limb, complex regional pain syndrome of the upper limb, amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome affecting the upper limb, chronic joint pain affecting the upper limb

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients less than 7 years or greater than 21 years of age
• Patients who have not been evaluated in the pediatric chronic pain clinic during the enrollment period or last 12 months.
• Patients with primary complaints of lower back pain, hip pain, knee pain, ankle pain, or abdominal pain.
• Patients with factors limit their ability to safely tolerate wearing and operating the Meta Oculus 2 virtual reality goggles, including but not limited to claustrophobia, anxiety, vestibulo-ocular dysfunction, visual impairments, significant sitting balance impairments.