Dismissing Chronic Pain with Hypnotherapy

To be able to understand how hypnotherapy can be so beneficial in Chronic Pain management, it is important to explain the invaluable role that pain actually plays in our lives. It seems crazy that we should have to suffer pain at all, but as you read on you will see that its role is indeed, vital to our health and wellbeing. You will learn by reading this article, valuable advice and tips, regarding various achievable ways that you can dismiss your pain altogether.

There are two main types of pain, chronic pain and acute pain. If pain persists for longer than 6 months, it is referred to as chronic pain (Keefe, 1982). This form of pain can be continuous, or may come and go, but always recurs at some point. If it is an immediate or short term pain, such as falling off your bike and grazing a knee, or banging an elbow hard, on an unseen post, or a nasty headache that you are not accustomed to, this we call this acute pain and this usually resolves itself reasonably quickly.

An interesting fact here, chronic pain is the most common cause for medical intervention being sought, in the developed world!

It is important to note, that pain does have a very important role in our lives https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/pain.    It is a highly protective mechanism, which provides us with a warning signal, alerting the body to change. It gives us an opportunity to adjust our behaviour and therefore protect us from harm, threat or injury. If we do not listen to our bodies and adjust accordingly, it can affect our ability to cope, to work and to function on a daily basis, ultimately affecting our relationships too. The belief system that we attach to the pain, can exacerbate the condition, by constantly accessing negative thoughts and fears about our health, and magnifying the potential outcome of the ongoing problem. On the flip side, those who experience pain do learn to become more resilient, and ultimately, understanding how it feels, allows them to express empathy to others who may be suffering.

The strongest evidence supporting the use of hypnotic treatments, comes from research on hypnosis for treating pain, IBS, back discomfort, and PTSD symptoms. There are many published research papers out in the public domain and easily accessible, created by eminent physicians, psychologists and hypnotherapists, which support this theory.

Many hypnotherapists have written of great success in treating all kinds of pain using hypnosis, because this kind and powerful therapy can greatly reduce stress and anxiety, which in turn assists in calming the emotional surges brought about by the fear we feel in this heightened state of discomfort. It can also help by changing our perception of pain. By altering the brain activity specifically in the areas most susceptible to pain processing, this helps to lessen the intensity of feeling, as the negative pictures we are creating in the brain, become less dramatic, more tempered, allowing us to accept and believe that we can indeed, overcome this.

So just how does hypnosis work in the treatment of chronic pain?

Hypnosis works by utilising neuroplasticity, the brain’s incredible ability to change, rewire and adapt, both functionally and structurally, in response to certain experiences or stimuli. The brain can repair itself, and/or find ways to compensate, following a stroke or even brain damage. It achieves this by reorganising its connections and creating new ones, and if necessary, making alterations to its structure and functions. While we are in hypnosis, neuroplasticity is enhanced and speeded up, as the conscious mind, (the part responsible for judgement and critical thinking,) becomes far less active, allowing the subconscious mind to open up fully, and take in and accept, positive suggestions for change.

Hypnosis reduces chronic pain by influencing the brain’s perception and management of pain sensations. The process begins by first relaxing the body and emptying the mind, and then, whilst in a state of deep relaxation, directing attention toward comfortable and welcome thoughts and feelings. This allows the person to disassociate from the pain, creating distance from the unwelcome feelings or sensations. It also helps to ensure the person is now well prepared for other possible pain experiences in the future. So put simply, hypnosis modifies brain activity in the areas which are linked to pain management and processing, and by doing so, reduces both the intensity of pain and the emotional attachment to it.

During hypnosis we are influencing our brains to directly diminish these impressions, and to detach ourselves and our thinking away from worries and fears that may be exacerbating the pain. This is all done without drugs, physical examinations, or intrusive paperwork, in a comfortable, safe and welcoming space.

Using hypnosis whist undergoing MRI testing, the crucial part of the brain that immediately reacts, known as, the anterior cingulate cortex, when exposed to an unexpectedly loud sound, like gunfire or a huge clap of thunder, is significantly calmed, as we ask clients to think of a favourite, safe space where they feel comfortable. Accessing their imagination in this way, creates a level of distance between themselves and the perceived, impending danger or pain. In the same way, hypnosis has also been shown to reduce the need for medical intervention in the form of drugs and pain suppressants, suggesting less likelihood of dependence and/or side effects associated with certain pain medications.

David Spiegel, an eminent Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioural Science, is also a leading voice in the world of hypnosis. He has published numerous research papers over many decades, looking at the influence of hypnotherapy on brain activity. These papers point to just how effective hypnosis has been shown to be, in reducing pain related to cancer, fibromyalgia, and surgery, as well as the pain of injured soldiers treated on the battlefield. He firmly believes that hypnotherapy should be seen as a first port of call for chronic pain. His contribution to the field of hypnosis over so many years, is immeasurable, and his books and papers have added so much credence and understanding to this wonderful therapy.

An example of the power of hypnosis is worth bringing in here. You may have seen, filmed on TV, a runner in a marathon, almost at the finishing line, who unexpectedly trips and falls, very likely due to exhaustion. On seeing the finish line right there in front of them, they have no sensation of pain, only an overwhelming need and desire, to get over that line. So they simply get back up and run as hard as they can (in this case, unknowingly with a broken ankle,) over the line, and they do not collapse onto the ground, until they have safely achieved their objective, securely on the winning side. Only then, does the extreme heat and pain in the broken limb, send out the danger signals and start to cause excruciating  pain. To ensure they got over that line and achieved their ambition, the brain was able to eliminate the sense of pain altogether, until it was safe to bring it to the fore and get immediate assistance. This is a form of waking hypnosis.

There are other ways to help protect against chronic pain and other interventions, alongside hypnosis, which can help significantly, such as:

Sports injury massage, or indeed any deep tissue massage, can be greatly helpful in realigning the spine, loosening knotted muscles, softening tight ligaments or strained tendons, all of which are bodily responses to the perceived pain and may subsequently be holding you out of alignment. Always ensure that you only visit a licensed therapist who is qualified in and fully understands, their discipline.

Acupuncture, is a very effective way to release blockages in the system causing tension and discomfort.  Also known as dry needling, acupuncture involves stimulating sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles. In this way, the body produces endorphins and other natural substances, which are our body’s own pain-relieving chemicals. It is not scary or uncomfortable, although occasionally when a needle releases trapped energy, it can make you jump. It’s likely that these naturally released substances such as endorphins, are responsible for the beneficial effects experienced with acupuncture.

Normally a course of acupuncture will be suggested because it can take a while for you to see and feel improvements. It is also recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence,) for conditions such as chronic headache, musculoskeletal pain and both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, TMJ and chronic pelvic or abdominal pain.

Some tips for managing chronic pain:

Developing good posture is key to minimising back pain. Try a short course of the Alexander Technique, which is fascinating and will teach you perfect posture, for comfort and spine alignment.

Sleeping position: Sleeping with a pillow between your legs, if you are a side sleeper, helps to ensure good spine alignment throughout the night. Make sure your mattress is firm and supportive and has no sagging. Keep a window open, all year round, to ensure fresh air throughout the night. Don’t use technology within an hour of going to bed, as this winds up your brain and can cause you to feel overcharged when you turn the light out. Read a good book, or listen to some quiet, meditative music, or simply lie and feel the warmth and comfort of your bed. Have a warm, comforting drink and think of three things you are grateful for from your day, knowing that you don’t need to chase sleep, as it will come to you when you are fully ready to accept it.

Physical Therapy: There are many forms of physical therapy, some already mentioned in the article. All physical therapy, when conducted by a trained, licensed professional, will have its benefits. Do a bit of research to find out what appeals to you the most. Sports injury massage, Swedish  massage, Hot Stones, Myofascial Release. These are just a few, as there are too many to mention here, but there will always be one that you look forward to which may greatly relieve your pain. They also help by having a placebo effect.

Looking after your mental health: There are a number of ways you can help yourself using Mindfulness, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique, or tapping,) breathwork, yoga or Pilates, all of which can create a sense of calm and serenity. Dancing and singing or humming, are all great stress relievers too. Art in all forms, helps to concentrate the mind using your creative abilities, and gardening for some, proves to be incredibly therapeutic, as you watch you tiny seeds, or cuttings, turn into beautiful plants. If you do not have a garden, pots on the windowsill can provide the same sense of achievement and pleasure. Walking (and petting) a dog in a quiet setting, is also a great stress reliever. Cold water swimming is wonderful for clearing the mind of clutter and making you feel alert, with a sense of accomplishment. In my own experience, the effects of sea swimming creates a real sense of clarity and lasts for a good, few hours!

If your issue is chronic back pain, do NOT rest an aching back! This is an outdated suggestion that has shown to cause even more back pain and stiffness. Instead, use an ice pack for 20 minutes, a number of times during the day and then follow up after a few days with a heat pack to relax the muscles and increase blood flow to the uncomfortable or injured area.  Warm baths help too, as they provide not only warmth, but also a sense of comfort and relaxation.

Always seek the expertise and advice of your medical professional, in case your back issues are deemed to be potentially requiring some form of medical intervention. But always remember that there are so many deeply healing and relieving therapies out there for all sorts of chronic pain. It is worth investing time and research to find out whether your back issues can be healed by interventions other than surgery, as surgery always carries certain risks, although these will always be fully explained to you when you go for consultation.

Finally, remember the song, ‘Always look on the bright side of life?’ Whatever pain you are dealing with, there will be numerous ways to overcome this, however uncomfortable it feels at the time and however long you may have suffered from it. If you genuinely want to be rid of it once and for all, listen, read, research, and find what is likely to suit you most. Hypnotherapy, as mentioned throughout this blog, is documented many, many times over, as having the ability to release you from pain and take you back to calm and comfort, without drugs, medical examinations or intrusive paperwork.  What you need most of all, is a positive attitude, and a belief that yes, you can and will overcome this issue! I have never yet, in all my years of practice, met a client who regretted having hypnotherapy for chronic pain, or indeed, who did not feel a real benefit from their sessions.

If you would like to know more about hypnosis and its potential benefits to you personally, do contact me and we will arrange a 30 minute telephone consultation to get your questions answered.

‘Positive thinking is a valuable tool that can help you overcome obstacles, deal with pain, and reach new goals.’

Amy Morin