Scottish-born beauty and top model Jean Campbell previews lingerie-inspired lace and leather mixes, accessorized with big gold jewelry in true 1980s spirit, lensed by Ekua King [IG] for the March 2025 issue of British ELLE.

Streamlined, dance-inspired fashion from Christian Dior on the digital cover, gets an editorial boost from Acne Studios, Chanel, Chloé, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Hermes, Khaite, Prada, Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello and more, styled by Jenny Kennedy. See all the product credits and prices at ELLE UK. / Hair by hiroshi Matsushita; makeup by Pamela Cochrane

Clementina Jackson chats with Lady Campbell, revisiting the topic of pain in her life and the podcast ‘I’m Fine’ she created to talk about it. Campbell deals with a condition called ‘hip dysplasia’ in which her a hip socket that doesn't fully cover the ball portion of the upper thighbone. If not properly treated as a child, the pain can be very debilitating as an adult.

In her podcast, ‘I’m Fine’, Jean Campbell talks to people about their own experiences with pain management, while sharing information about new research and test results in the field.

The Patient Assumes New Powers in Pain Management

Emerging pain management techniques are transforming the landscape of healthcare, providing patients with innovative solutions that go beyond traditional methods such as opioids or surgery. As our understanding of pain physiology advances, so too does our capacity to address it more effectively and safely, led by patient-driven initiatives.

One key trend is the integration of technology with medical care, exemplified by the rise of digital health applications and telemedicine platforms. These tools offer real-time monitoring and tailored therapeutic interventions, empowering patients to play a more active role in managing their conditions.

Not only are patients becoming more empowered and engaged in their own pain management, their tools and information necessary for making decisions involves highly-specific information about their own bodies. The one-size-fits-all approach to healthcare has been largely abandoned.

By integrating genetic profiling into treatment plans, healthcare providers can anticipate how patients might respond to different pain medications, thereby enhancing efficacy and minimizing adverse effects.

Personalized medicine moves beyond this one-dimensional approach to pain management and addresses the multifaceted nature of pain more comprehensively. By analyzing an individual’s genetic makeup, healthcare providers can tailor medication choices to optimize effectiveness and minimize adverse reactions.

A Holistic, Detailed Approach to Bioinformatics

This approach is particularly promising for chronic pain conditions, which are often resistant to generic treatments. Personalized medicine leverages advancements in technology, such as genomics and bioinformatics, to not only identify suitable pharmaceuticals but also to adjust dosages and combinations for optimal results.

In addition to genetics, clinicians are increasingly considering factors such as psychological state, environmental influences, and specific lifestyle elements that contribute to the pain experience. The ultimate goal is to make the treatment as unique as the patient herself.

Non-Opioid Pain Management

Acetaminophen remains a staple for mild to moderate pain management, offering relief without the risk of dependency when used appropriately.

In recent years, the focus on non-opioid pain management alternatives has gained significant attention as healthcare providers strive to mitigate the risks associated with opioid use, such as addiction and overdose. This shift has led to the exploration and adoption of various innovative strategies and treatments aimed at effectively managing pain without the reliance on opioid medications. One of the most promising alternatives includes the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], which are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation and relieve pain without the addictive properties of opioids.

On February 4, 2025, CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta spoke about the U.S Food and Drug Administration [FDA] approval of Journavx, or suzetrigine, oral tablets. “These pain medications, suzetrigine, Journavx as it’s called, work . . . more at the location of the pain, . . . trying to block the signals coming from the source of pain, going to the brain. As a result, you shouldn’t get euphoria,” Dr. Gupta explained. And, what is so critical about this breakthrough, is its lack of addictive ingredients.

Ancient Natural Practices Meet 21st Century Science

Another noteworthy advancement is in the realm of physical therapies, including techniques like physiotherapy, massage, and acupuncture, which seek to address the underlying causes of pain through physical means. These therapies not only alleviate pain but also promote healing and function through natural processes. Cognitive-behavioral therapy [CBT] is also increasingly utilized as a therapeutic approach to alter pain perception by modifying negative thoughts and behaviors associated with chronic pain.

Acupuncture has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine and is now supported by numerous studies for its efficacy in treating various types of pain, including chronic back pain and migraines. By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture can help to reduce pain and inflammation through the release of endorphins and other natural pain-relieving chemicals. Mindfulness-based stress reduction and meditation can help individuals develop coping mechanisms for pain by promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which are known to exacerbate pain symptoms.

Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to improve flexibility, strength, and mental clarity, all of which contribute to pain relief and improved quality of life. In AOC’s overview of the newest trends in pain management, we swing our attention yet again from an ancient practice like acupuncture to AI, TMS and TENS.

We explain the details, while noting that this fusion of ancient practices with futuristic ones is the health cocktail for maximum wellness and effective pain management moving forward.

Advancements in neuromodulation techniques are paving the way for more precise interventions. Techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation [TMS] and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS] are becoming increasingly sophisticated, offering targeted pain relief by modulating neural activity and reducing the reliance on pharmacological interventions.

The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into pain management is another burgeoning area. AI algorithms can analyze vast datasets to identify patterns and predict treatment outcomes, thus aiding healthcare professionals in formulating more effective pain management plans.

Furthermore, novel drug development continues to push boundaries, with researchers exploring non-opioid analgesics and novel delivery systems like nanomedicine to enhance the efficacy and safety profiles of pain relief medications. The future of pain management lies in these innovations, promising a more individualized, precise, and effective approach to alleviating pain that improves the quality of life for sufferers worldwide.

AOC is intrigued by this fusion of ancient and futuristic practices in pain-management, but not associated with addiction. We’re seeking specific wellness retreats or non-opioid treatment clinics that specialize in teaching guests about pain management with a wide menu of individualized options. ~ Anne