This is incredible and again shows the power of the brain in controlling the pain response.
There are considerable benefits of hypnosis when compared to traditional methods of pain management.
Unlike some medication, including opioids, hypnosis for chronic pain is not addictive and side effects such as headaches and fatigue are rare and transient.
When looking at surgery, studies have also found that after a spinal fusion (the most common surgery used to treat back pain), just 19% of people returned to work within two years. Almost one in five patients needed a second spine surgery within two years of the first operation, with some needing up to five re-operations. By comparison, hypnosis for chronic pain can be a pleasant experience with no downtime or recovery period. It’s even possible to complete a course of hypnotherapy for chronic pain via an app in the comfort of your own home as part of your daily routine.
Unlike with medications and surgeries, hypnotherapy also encourages a more proactive role for the patient in managing their pain, which is much more empowering than being a passive recipient of treatments and feeling like the solution to your pain is out of your control.
What can be expected during a hypnotherapy session?
In a hypnotherapy session, you will be taken through relaxation exercises and brought into a focused state of attention. This simply means that you can focus on therapeutic suggestions that are being given to you while ignoring outside concerns. During a session, you are fully in control and aware of what is happening.
In this focused and relaxed state of attention, your brain becomes open to suggestions on how to turn down the sensation of pain and rewire thought processes that can help you better cope.
Since hypnotherapy is a relaxing exercise that stimulates your parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for rest and relaxation), it can also be a highly effective tool to help you sleep better, which is often a challenge when you’re in pain.
How long does hypnotherapy take to work?
The timeline and effectiveness of hypnotherapy for chronic pain varies from person to person. Some individuals may experience results relatively quickly, while others may need more time before they notice changes in their symptoms.
Research has shown people can see results in as little as four sessions, while benefits are more pronounced the more someone practices the sessions.
Where can I access hypnotherapy for chronic pain?
While we recommend talking to your doctor before beginning any new management tool for your chronic pain, there are several ways that you can get started with it.
Hypnotherapy practitioners or hypnotherapists
You might choose to see a hypnotherapy practitioner, also known as a hypnotherapist. There are many benefits to choosing this kind of hypnotherapy, including building a relationship with a professional who can keep you accountable to your goals. Many people enjoy this kind of hypnotherapy because it has similarities to other in-person healthcare models, like psychotherapy or counseling.
However, before booking an in-person hypnotherapist, there are a few important things you need to keep in mind.
Firstly, in-person hypnotherapy can cost up to US$250 per session. While some practitioners may be cheaper, buyers beware: the quality of in-person hypnotherapy can vary greatly.
Hypnotherapy in Australia, America, and many other parts of the world, is not a regulated profession. This means hypnotherapists are not legally required to meet service standards or receive any specific medical training.
Before booking a hypnotherapist, ensure that the practitioner:
Before booking a hypnotherapy session for chronic pain, ask if your practitioner has a medical degree (for example, physiotherapist, pain specialist, or psychologist); and additional certified hypnotherapy training.
Audio recordings
Some people will choose to buy or download audio recordings of a hypnosis session as a cost-effective way to start hypnotherapy for chronic pain. Recordings may cost as little as US$8.
Many hypnotherapy websites provide an audio-download option, however, as these offerings are not regulated, the quality and benefits of this kind of hypnotherapy can be variable. The sessions also are not tailored to individual requirements.
Hypnotherapy apps
Therapeutic apps are a great option for people starting their chronic pain hypnotherapy journey. However, similar to choosing an in-person specialist, it's important to check the credentials of hypnotherapy apps before purchasing.
Hypnotherapy apps can vary greatly in price. However, for a quality app that replicates the therapeutic environment, you can expect to pay around US$20 a month. Some apps also provide a seven-day trial, so you can test the program before committing.
Mindset Health is currently developing a digital therapeutic program in consultation with Neuroscience Research Australia that specifically targets chronic lower back pain. You can register your interest for this program to stay up to date with the development process and obtain early access when it launches.
The Wrap Up
Hypnotherapy as a method to manage chronic pain is gaining traction from researchers, experts, and pain communities worldwide. It's a non-invasive, drug-free method that offers promising results including reduction in pain intensity and increase in function. By rewiring neural pathways in the brain that are causing pain and empowering you to take an active role in your pain management, hypnotherapy can make a significant difference to your quality of life. Whether you choose to see a practitioner, use audio recordings, or try a hypnotherapy app, remember to prioritize high-quality interventions and ensure any practitioner you engage with has the appropriate credentials.
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Chronic pain in Australia, Summary. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Published May 7, 2020. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-disease/chronic-pain-in-australia/summary
Elkins G, Jensen MP, Patterson DR. Hypnotherapy for the management of chronic pain. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2007 Jul;55(3):275-87. doi: 10.1080/00207140701338621. PMID: 17558718; PMCID: PMC2752362.
Adachi T, Fujino H, Nakae A, Mashimo T, Sasaki J. A meta-analysis of hypnosis for chronic pain problems: a comparison between hypnosis, standard care, and other psychological interventions. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2014;62(1):1-28. doi: 10.1080/00207144.2013.841471. PMID: 24256477.
Rizzo RRN, Medeiros FC, Pires LG, Pimenta RM, McAuley JH, Jensen MP, Costa LOP. Hypnosis Enhances the Effects of Pain Education in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Pain. 2018 Oct;19(10):1103.e1-1103.e9. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2018.03.013. Epub 2018 Apr 11. PMID: 29654980.
Yapko, M. D. (2012). Trancework: An introduction to the practice of clinical hypnosis (4th ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.
Lewin, A., Fearnside, M., Kuru, R. et al. Rates, costs, return to work and reoperation following spinal surgery in a workers’ compensation cohort in New South Wales, 2010–2018: a cohort study using administrative data. BMC Health Serv Res 21, 955 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-06900-8
Mayo Clinic. Hypnosis - Mayo Clinic. Mayoclinic.org. Published 2018. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hypnosis/about/pac-20394405
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