The Future with Hannah Fry · Series 2 · Episode 5
The Future with Hannah Fry, Pain: what the evidence says about pain treatment
What the episode covers, where pain treatment stands on the 311 Starburst and what leaders should take from it.
What it covers
About the episode
Hannah Fry learns about the future of pain management and the technologies being developed to control or switch off chronic pain.
- Broadcaster
- Bloomberg Originals; BBC Two and BBC iPlayer (UK, 2026)
- Made by
- Bloomberg Media with Windfall Films
- Distributed by
- TVF International
- Episode
- Series 2, episode 5
Official episode page (Bloomberg Originals; BBC Two and BBC iPlayer (UK, 2026)) · More about the series
What the evidence says
Where pain treatment stands in 2026
The 311 Starburst maps when each emerging technology and trend is expected to reach wide use. These are the entries that match this subject, with their status today.
- Technology · BiotechClosed-Loop Neuromodulation
Implants that sense activity in the brain or nerves and change their electrical zaps automatically. Some epilepsy devices already work this way.
- Expected wide use
- 2035
- Status in 2026
- Explore
- Readiness
- TRL 9 of 9
- Technology · BiotechVagus Nerve Stimulation
Vagus nerve stimulation uses small electric pulses on a long nerve that links brain and body. It treats epilepsy, depression and swelling. Wearable versions are arriving.
- Expected wide use
- 2040
- Status in 2026
- Watch
- Readiness
- TRL 9 of 9
Source: the 311 Starburst, researched by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit (data built 2026-10-28). Status rings: Act now means wide use by 2027, Prepare 2028 to 2030, Explore 2031 to 2035, Watch 2036 or later. Explore the Starburst Centre.
311 analysis
What leaders should take from it
- Chronic pain costs employers through absence and lost output; watch treatments that work without drugs.
- Neuromodulation devices are moving from research to clinic; health and insurance leaders should track the evidence.
- Expect pain data from wearables and implants to raise new questions on privacy and consent.
Analysis by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
Next steps
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Answers
Common questions
Is there technology to switch off pain?
Devices that stimulate nerves are in use and improving. The 311 Starburst places closed-loop neuromodulation in its Explore ring, with expected wide use in 2035.
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