Hypnosis as an Option for Chronic Pain
Is hypnosis therapy beneficial for chronic pain? Research, as well as many people, say it can be helpful, and it also offers a non-drug approach to help manage it. Hypnosis may affect how the brain processes and experiences pain. This may help some people reduce the intensity of the pain and help with how they cope differently with their pain. Learn more about how the brain perceives pain and the potential benefits of hypnosis therapy.
How the Brain Perceives Pain
Advances in science have taught us a great deal about how the brain perceives and experiences pain. One of the most interesting things we have learned is that our brains do not have one single “pain center.” Instead, multiple areas and networks of the brain are involved in processing and experiencing pain. We have also learned that input from outside the brain can, and often does, play a role in how we experience pain.
People living with chronic pain have often mentioned that stress can and often does increase their pain. Recently, science has been able to observe the direct effects hypnosis has on brain activity and how hypnosis can also affect the areas and structures within the areas of the brain that process pain.
How Different Areas of the Brain Process Pain
Some of the areas involved in processing and experiencing pain include:
- Sensory cortex – the area of the brain that is active when we feel sensations
- Anterior cingulate cortex – the area of the brain involved with processing information about how the pain makes us feel
- The insula – the area that becomes active when something is perceived to be wrong with the body
- Prefrontal cortex – the area of the brain that is most likely involved in the meaning we give to our sensations and experiences
All these different areas of the brain can influence each other. So, for example, when we think that our pain may indicate something is broken or breaking, the pain can increase in intensity, or we can become more worried. This influence allows a new understanding of our brains and can explain how the same level of stimulation can be felt differently by different people. This may also help explain why techniques such as hypnosis can influence how some people experience pain.
The Studies on Hypnosis Therapy
Research on hypnosis for chronic pain has produced some encouraging results, even though the evidence varies. Some studies have found reductions in pain intensity and pain interference following hypnosis, while researchers continue to study which people and pain conditions are most likely to benefit. More recent research has also looked at hypnosis as a complementary approach used alongside other pain-management strategies.
Hypnosis is not complicated. It is an induction followed by a suggestion or a set of suggestions. The induction focuses one’s attention on a voice, a point of light, or a mark on a wall. This focused attention or awareness may make a person more receptive to suggestions that can change their experience.
In dealing with chronic pain, the induction is usually followed by suggestions to perceive pain sensations differently, to be less bothered by these sensations, to think about pain in a different way, to be better able to ignore pain, or some combination of the above suggestions. Hypnosis sessions may also include suggestions intended to help a person continue using the relaxation or coping techniques after the session has ended.
Chronic pain often requires a variety of approaches for its management. Hypnosis may be used as part of a broader pain-management program rather than as a stand-alone approach. I have used hypnosis and positive visualization as part of my pain management program. I have found it to be very helpful in assisting me with relaxation, especially when I use the chi machine.
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Key Takeaways
- Hypnosis is a non-drug approach that may help some people manage their chronic pain.
- Chronic pain is complex, involving multiple areas and networks of the brain in how your pain is processed and experienced.
- Stress, emotions, attention, and other factors can influence how you experience pain.
- Research on hypnosis for chronic pain is encouraging; however, results may vary.
- Hypnosis is most useful as another part of your broader chronic-pain management approach.
- Remember, not everyone responds the same way, so your response may be different.