CAN HYPNOSIS HELP ME MANAGE PAIN?
NOVEMBER 2000The 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.
1. I HAVE FIBROMYALGIA--A PAINFUL, CHRONIC DISEASE. I WAS WONDERING IF HYPNOSIS HAS BEEN TRIED FOR CHRONIC PAIN YET, AND WHAT THE RESULTS WERE.
The mind is amazingly more powerful than we are usually aware of. Hypnosis has been used to help manage pain for many decades. It has even proven to be so powerful that surgery has been done without anesthetic.
Fibromyalgia, which has to do with pain in the fibrous connective tissues (that is, the ligaments, tendons, and connective sheaths between and surrounding the muscles) can definitely be eased with hypnosis. Because the unconscious mind handles the automatic body functions, the use of hypnosis can encourage those systems to operate at their best. It can help you control the amount of pain you have, and it's intensity. A good hypnotherapist can motivate you do the simple stretching and other exercises needed to keep flexibility and movement when more active exercising seems impossible. Hypnosis can support the nutrition and eating habits that supplies what the body needs for better defense. It can help you function for longer periods of time without the discomfort you've experienced in the past. There are other things that can help a person in this condition. You might be surprised to find that there are hypnotherapists who have this condition themselves or specialize in it. Ask around.
2. I HAVE A FORM OF MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY, A GENETIC DISEASE CALLED CHARCOT-MARIE-TOOTH WHICH CAUSES ME SEVERE PAIN. I'VE TRIED, UNSUCCESSFULLY, ALL KINDS OF PAIN MEDICATION, AND WAS FINALLY GIVEN A MORPHINE IMPLANT, BUT STILL HAVE A LOT OF PAIN. COULD HYPNOTHERAPY HELP ME?
A person can be programmed for alleviation of pain, control of emotions, ability to take in nourishment, and to respond to treatment. Special cues may be given for use in controlling pain, when discomfort becomes particularly intense. Often the hypnotherapist will make a tape of a session, or will provide their own tape, which can be used to reinforce the suggestions until they become more automatic. Before long a patient can immediately experience the relief in just a few seconds. Hypnotic methods for achieving pain relief are numerous. The choice would depend upon the condition and personality of the client. Like with any hypnosis, attitude is a major factor--it is important that the patient accept that relief is possible.
3. CAN ANYONE HELP SOMEONE WHO HAS ALMOST CONSTANT BACK PAIN THAT CANNOT BE TREATED BY A PHYSICIAN?
Much of what I have said in the above answer to Question 2 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.
4. I HAD AN ANEURYSM LAST YEAR THAT LEFT ME PARALYZED ON MY LEFT SIDE. MY LEFT LEG, HIP AND FOOT ARE IN CONSTANT PAIN. MEDICATION WORKS BUT (THE DOCTORS) DON'T WANT TO GIVE ME ENOUGH. THEY SAY THAT THE PAIN IS IN MY BRAIN AND NOT DUE TO PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO THE LEG. WOULD HYPNOSIS HELP ME TO BELIEVE I AM NOT IN SO MUCH PAIN?
Again, as I have said above, the mind is a pretty powerful thing. Phantom pain, which is what I believe you are describing, can be very frustrating. The body is giving false signals, in a way. Nothing there would indicate some damage that elicits pain, and yet the pain is really there. It isn't an illusion--it feels very real. You might say that this is a demonstration of just how powerful our minds are. Now, if the mind is that powerful in creating pain where there isn't anything, then it can be just as powerful in getting rid of it.Locate a good hypnotherapist who can help you by getting the nervous system to "reconnect" and signal properly, and can help your mind manage the pain more effectively.
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Del H. Morrill, B.S., C. Ht., Copyright 9/30/99, TRANSITIONS, INC, 3217 North Mason, Tacoma, Washington 98407 USA Office: (253) 383-5757; Toll free: 1-888-663-5757
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