How Weighted Blankets Can Relieve Chronic Pain
Chronic pain makes life difficult for many and severely affects their quality of life. Researchers and health experts are constantly looking for new ways to relieve this pain. A study by the University of California San Diego Health examined whether weighted blankets could be an effective option for pain relief.
Procedure: Before the actual test, participants wore a fitness tracker for three nights to monitor and rate their pain, anxiety, and sleep quality. They then tested the weighted blankets every night during sleep for a week. Ratings were then given again.
Participants: 100 people with chronic pain took part in the study. They mostly had problems with muscles and joints. The participants were randomly divided into two groups, one received weighted blankets and the other group received normal blankets.
Results: The one-week trial showed that the weighted blankets reduced the perception of pain more overall than regular blankets. Weighted blankets were particularly effective for people with severe primary pain, such as migraines or back pain, and for people with high anxiety. The lower perception of pain also helped to reduce the problems associated with the pain.
Fig. 1: Change in the perception of pain intensity (left in a short application phase, right after weeks of application). In grey the pain intensity before blanket application; in light green the pain intensity after application of a light blanket; in dark green the pain intensity after application of a weighted blanket.
Fig. 2: Change in the sensation of fear (left in a short application phase, right after weeks of application). In grey the pain intensity before blanket application; in light green the pain intensity after application of a light blanket; in dark green the pain intensity after application of a weighted blanket.
Conclusion: The study suggests that weighted blankets may be a promising option to relieve chronic pain. It shows that non-drug approaches are important and that weighted blankets may be a good option to treat pain.
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