Emerging Treatments for Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is difficult to treat, so it is not surprising that researchers, practitioners, and patients continue to explore approaches beyond conventional pain medications.
Some newer or less-established treatments have produced intriguing results. But “promising” is not the same as “proven.” Evidence may range from clinical experience and small studies to randomized trials.
Here are several approaches worth knowing about.
Pain Reprocessing Therapy
Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) attempts to help people reinterpret pain signals that the brain may have learned to perceive as threatening even when there is no continuing tissue damage.
A randomized trial involving 151 people with chronic back pain produced striking results: 66% of participants receiving PRT were pain-free or nearly pain-free after treatment, compared with 20% receiving placebo treatment and 10% receiving usual care.
The results are encouraging, but the study involved a particular type of chronic back pain, and participants were considerably younger than most HealthCurious readers. More research in other populations and pain conditions is needed.
Low-Dose Naltrexone
Naltrexone was originally approved at much higher doses to treat alcohol and opioid dependence. At much lower doses, known as low-dose naltrexone (LDN), it is increasingly prescribed off-label for chronic pain.
LDN has been studied particularly for fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions. Results have been mixed, and studies have generally been relatively small.
Because naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, LDN should not be combined with opioid pain medications without medical guidance.
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a naturally occurring fatty-acid compound that is also sold as a supplement. It may influence inflammation and pain signaling.
Several randomized trials and systematic reviews have reported reductions in pain, particularly for some neuropathic and inflammatory pain conditions.
However, studies have used different formulations, doses, and types of chronic pain. More research would help determine which people and pain conditions are most likely to benefit.
Frequency Specific Microcurrent
Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) uses extremely low electrical currents delivered at particular frequencies. Practitioners propose that different frequency combinations may influence particular tissues or biological processes.
Some studies and clinical reports have suggested reductions in pain, but the research remains limited. In particular, the claim that specific frequencies have unique effects on particular tissues or conditions has not been established by strong clinical evidence.
FSM is an example of a treatment that has attracted interest among some practitioners and patients while the research is still developing.
Keeping “Promising” in Perspective
New treatments can be appealing when conventional approaches have not provided enough relief. But early evidence is often incomplete, so some caution is worthwhile.
Ask: What research has been published? What are the risks and costs? How long has the treatment been used?
When a practitioner is involved, consider their training, credentials, and experience with the treatment. References from patients or trusted health professionals can also be helpful.
The less certain the evidence, the more important it is to weigh the potential benefits, risks, costs, and credibility of the practitioner.
Learn More
Low-Dose Naltrexone for Chronic Pain — Research Review
A 2025 review of randomized trials of LDN for chronic pain.
Frequency Specific Microcurrent
Information about FSM, practitioner training, and the proposed uses of frequency-specific microcurrent therapy.
Pain Psychology Center
Information about Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT)
The Way Out — Alan Gordon and Alon Ziv
A patient-friendly explanation of Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT)