Can hypnotherapy help chronic back pain?
Back pain is one of those conditions many people suffer from. If you have chronic back pain, one way you can get relief is through hypnotherapy.
Most people will get muscular back ache at some time in their lives, but if you have had an injury in the past, you may have developed chronic back pain.
This blog answers your questions about back pain relief and hypnotherapy.
What is pain?
Acute pain after an injury is a signal. Although generally, pain is subjective.
It can be described differently and differs for different people. It is linked to previous experiences, gender and coping mechanisms.
Some people describe the intensity, while others talk about the position or how it moves.
Back pain can be felt anywhere across the back. For example, some people have back pain in the middle of their back, while others describe back pain down the right or left sides. (Back pain sufferers can have shooting pains down one leg). Some people suffer from back pain near the kidneys, while others have pain around the ribs or tailbone. Lower back pain is common.
It can be described as aching, stabbing, dull or like an electric shock. It may come and go according to your position or emotional feelings.
Which back pain do I have?
You may know how to describe the pain and say where it is, but doctors also categorise pain. There are two categories of back pain; acute and chronic.
Acute back pain occurs when you have a sudden injury, such as a slipped disc or if you are involved in an accident. Sports people often get back injuries. It’s excruciating, and you will probably need to take strong painkillers and rest for a while. Following severe back injuries, injections or surgery may be necessary.
Acute back pain can also result from urinary tract infections, kidney problems, gynaecological problems and other muscular and skeletal issues.
Some medical conditions, such as arthritis, chest infections, digestive disorders or heart problems, can also cause back pain. Even pregnancy and labour can cause back pain.
Acute unexplained back pain needs medical attention.
The second type of back pain is chronic back pain.
Chronic back pain means that you have been suffering for months or years with pain when there is no further injury or inflammation. People with chronic back pain often get into a routine of not moving because they worry about worsening the pain. However, doctors and physiotherapists recommend gentle movements such as swimming and other core-strengthening exercises.
Sometimes the pain continues because of tight muscles, but other factors include stress and anxiety.
A few other contributing factors, such as a poor mattress on your bed or poor posture when working at a desk on a computer, are also worth mentioning.
Nevertheless, a doctor should always investigate back pain, especially if there is no apparent cause and it has been a problem for a long time. You should not stop taking the regular medication without consulting with your doctor first.
What can back pain cause?
Chronic back pain can make you feel miserable.
It may stop you from doing what you like in life.
For some people, back pain prevents them from exercising, so they can be more prone to putting on weight. It can also contribute to stress, worry, anxiety, and depression and impact relationships, career opportunities and finances.
If you have back pain, you may wonder if it will ever go away.
How to get relief from chronic pain.
You can relieve pain through medications, massage, seeing a chiropractor or osteopath, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and other complementary therapies such as acupuncture also help some people.
As pain has many facets, hypnotherapy could be one solution you may not have considered because it helps you take control of the emotional pain by reframing it and relaxing tense muscles, so relieving the chronic pain. It will also help you to get motivated, reduce stress and anxiety and learn to enjoy life again.
How do I find a hypnotherapist?
Hypnotherapists are usually private practitioners. They have different experiences and a range of qualifications. You can either search on Google, ask for recommendations from friends or your doctor or search on the hypnotherapy professional bodies directories. For example, the National Hypnotherapy Society, the National Council for Hypnotherapy, the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) and the General Hypnotherapy Register.
There are many international organisations as well that have members from around the world.
What happens during a hypnotherapy session?
You can have hypnotherapy online via video or in the hypnotherapist’s office.
Before and during the first session, there is a lot of assessment to check that you are suitable, that you are motivated to change and to gather an understanding of your pain issue.
Some hypnotherapists combine Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other counselling skills to help you talk and reframe the problem.
Hypnosis is a form of focused attention when the therapist communicates to you in a certain way to help you make changes.
Hypnosis will be used according to your needs and the experience and preferences of the hypnotherapist. Some therapists will talk conversationally, while others will ask you to close your eyes while hypnotically talking to you. The aim is to give you positive suggestions to reduce pain and help you look to a pain-free future.
Techniques include the hypnotherapist telling you stories or directly talking to your mind to help you to change.
Finally, several sessions may be suggested to get the best results.
Hi, I’m Linda from Awaken the Change. I’m a retired nurse. I help people with back pain to get relief and feel so much better about life again. I have been in practice for over 17 years providing hypnotherapy, counselling and coaching to people with back pain. Contact me for a free initial consultation by visiting my website, www.awakethechange.com. and use my secure booking system to find a convenient time for you.
