The Use of Hypnosis as a Tool for Relieving Pain

Chronic pain is best understood as a disease process rather than a symptom. Underlying mechanisms for chronic pain are, nociceptive- tissue damage, neuropathic - sensory, nervous system damage, central heightened pain sensitivity in the central nervous system. Chronic pain has signicant cognitive, affective, and interpersonal components. Effective chronic pain management is focused on maximizing function and limiting disability, not just on reducing pain. Non-pharmacological pain management is method utilizes ways to alter thoughts and focus concentration to better manage and reduce pain. Hypnosis is an effective method for acute and chronic pain, but there are also a few limitations. It is only effective in patients with high hypnotic susceptibility. The anticipated analgesic effect is not achieved in low to moderately hypnotizable patients. The cognitive behavioral approach can be used in patients who do not practice self-hypnosis. There are cases where patients with chronic pain have psychological problems. These patients require psychodynamic therapy, which is not in the range of pain medicine. Hypnosis may be a helpful nondrug therapy to reduce pain in chronic conditions.