Back Pain

Question
CAN ANYONE HELP SOMEONE WHO HAS ALMOST CONSTANT BACK PAIN THAT CANNOT BE TREATED BY A PHYSICIAN?

Answer
The questions from readers this month deal with hypnosis and pain management. But before I answer specific questions about this subject, I feel it is important to remind my readers that pain is a natural and necessary method the body uses to let us know something is wrong. So, first of all, it is important to have any pain checked by a doctor before using hypnosis. This is to rule out any physical problem, or to inform the client of some issue or condition they might be unaware of. There are many hypnotherapists, by the way, who actually specialize in pain management. You may find one in your own geographical area. If not, check my FavLinks. There are several directories of qualified hypnotherapists across the country. Much of what I have said in the other answers for this month can apply here. Assuming you have been checked out by a doctor, then hypnosis can be very helpful in managing the pain. Chronic pain takes its toll not only on the body, but also on the mind and spirit. Caring for the body is often a major task. Many people suffer with chronic back pain, without any alleviation. Constant pain can make someone irritable, impatient, and even depressed. It can also add a lot of guilt to one's life, especially when the condition isn't apparent to others. After all, the person is upright, moving around, and active. Not that I would wish this on any client, but, in some ways, it might be easier on the mind if the one with the back problem were in a wheelchair--at least they wouldn't have to keep explaining. An especially well-trained hypnotherapist can also help get at any underlying causes of pain, or anything that is blocking the healing that would alleviate it. Provided there are no hidden "benefits" from having the back problem, your therapist should be able to assist your mind to be willing to release the causes, and thus the problem.