Anjali Raut
Independent Researcher
Delhi, India
Abstract
The rising demand for non-invasive and targeted pain relief strategies has led to significant interest in bioelectronic patches as an alternative to pharmacological treatments. These wearable devices interface directly with the skin and underlying nerves to modulate pain signals via electrical stimulation, offering a promising solution for chronic and acute pain without the side effects associated with opioids or NSAIDs. This paper evaluates the historical development, operating principles, and early clinical outcomes of bioelectronic patches. It draws from interdisciplinary insights in neurology, bioengineering, and clinical medicine to assess their efficacy in managing various types of pain, including musculoskeletal, neuropathic, and postoperative pain. The literature reveals that early bioelectronic patches based on TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) and neuromodulation have shown moderate to strong pain relief in numerous clinical settings. Additionally, integration with flexible electronics and skin-conformal designs has improved patient compliance and stimulation precision. This manuscript critically reviews these innovations and outlines empirical data, methodologies, and case studies to assess their effectiveness. The findings indicate that bioelectronic patches hold significant potential as a non-invasive and patient-friendly modality for personalized pain therapy, particularly in cases where conventional treatments are ineffective or contraindicated.
Keywords
Bioelectronic patch, pain management, TENS, neuromodulation, wearable device, chronic pain, flexible electronics, analgesia
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