Drug Design, Development and Therapy

“Digital Drugs” for Musculoskeletal Pain: From Evaluation Tools to Rehabilitation and Therapy Solutions

Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain represents a major global health challenge, contributing to significant disability and reduced quality of life. Conventional therapeutic approaches often fail to fully address the complex biopsychosocial dimensions of chronic pain, leading to the need for innovative, integrative strategies. In recent years, the concept of "Digital Drugs" has emerged, referring to digital health solutions that modulate pain perception through technology-driven interventions. These include virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mobile health applications, and biofeedback devices, which can reduce pain and enhance function without pharmacological side effects. By complementing classical pharmacotherapy, these digital therapeutics offer a more holistic approach to pain management, addressing both physical and psychological aspects of chronic pain. Furthermore, "Digital Drugs" provide advanced tools for evaluating pain-related behaviors and functional impairments in real-time, enabling personalized rehabilitation protocols through remote monitoring and adaptive feedback. This integrative model holds promise for optimizing musculoskeletal pain management by combining assessment, therapy, and patient engagement in a comprehensive, technology-enhanced care pathway.

Effective pain management is crucial for improving quality of life, especially in individuals suffering from chronic or complex pain conditions such as mixed pain syndromes. Traditional pharmacological treatments alone sometimes fail to fully address the multifaceted nature of chronic pain, which involves not only nociceptive and neuropathic components but also nociplastic mechanisms. Integrating multimodal approaches—such as physical therapy, psychological support, neuromodulation, and complementary therapies—provides a more comprehensive and patient-centered strategy. Notably, the combination of digital therapeutics with classical pharmacotherapy has the potential to address one of the most pressing challenges in pain management: reducing opioid reliance. By offering alternative methods to manage pain effectively, "Digital Drugs" can help mitigate the risks associated with opioid use, including dependence and adverse side effects. Addressing the biopsychosocial aspects of pain can help prevent long-term disability, reduce healthcare costs, and foster innovation in therapeutic protocols, encouraging personalized care and evidence-based clinical practice.

This Collection aims to highlight innovative approaches in the treatment, rehabilitation, and evaluation of musculoskeletal pain. Submissions of original articles and systematic reviews are encouraged on emerging strategies such as personalized pain management, integrative rehabilitation protocols, digital therapeutics, neuroplasticity-driven interventions, and advances in biomechanical and functional assessment tools. Particular interest lies in research exploring the interplay between musculoskeletal pain and psychosocial factors, as well as the implementation of remote and AI-assisted rehabilitation systems. Studies utilizing novel imaging, wearable sensors, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to enhance clinical evaluation are also welcome. Additionally, research focusing on the integration of digital therapeutics with classical pharmacotherapy to optimize treatment outcomes and improve patient care is highly encouraged. By addressing these topics, the Collection seeks to advance the understanding and application of innovative, technology-enhanced solutions for musculoskeletal pain management.

Please submit your manuscript on our website, using the promo code 8E84E to indicate that your manuscript will be considered for this Collection. We will be welcoming relevant papers up until the 31st of July 2026. Please review the journal’s aims and scope and author submission instructions prior to submitting a manuscript.

Please contact Haoyang Yi (Commissioning Editor) at [email protected] with any queries regarding this Article Collection.

Guest advisors

Prof. Giacomo Farì, University of Salento

Medical Doctor, Specialized in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine; PhD in Sport Sciences; Adjunct Professor at the University of Salento, Lecce, Italy.

Prof. Andrea Bernetti, University of Salento

Medical Doctor, Full Professor of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine at the Department of Experimental Medicine – University of Salento, Lecce, Italy; General Secretary of the Italian Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine.

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