Immersive nature-based virtual reality for chronic pain: from analgesia to accessibility

Time spent in nature has been shown to reduce chronic pain symptoms. However, individuals living with high impact chronic pain often face substantial accessibility barriers to nature. Recent advances in immersive virtual reality (VR) provide opportunities to deliver restorative nature-based experiences directly to patients. This review provides key insight to recent advances into nature-based analgesic mechanisms alongside the role of VR in improving access to the therapeutic benefits of nature.

Emerging evidence highlights that nature-based VR interventions can engage top-down cognitive, affective and autonomic mechanisms. Experimental studies demonstrate that nature VR can reduce sensitisation within central nociceptive pathways and is associated with activity within key pain-related brain regions. Qualitative research has also highlighted the therapeutic importance of nature experiences and identifies significant physical barriers that hinder access for individuals with chronic pain.

Immersive VR nature interventions present a promising strategy for the self-management of chronic pain. Integrating VR-based nature therapy into existing pain management strategies would help to expand treatment options, especially for patients restricted by physical, geographic, or socioeconomic barriers. Further research should optimise VR protocols, further explore analgesic mechanisms and investigate their efficacy in chronic pain populations.