A study published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders in September reports positive
effects of hypnosis for the treatment of chronic widespread pain.

Hypnosis is not routinely used in general treatment programs in the United
States, but is garnering more attention is recent years, as scientists search
for effective, holistic treatment options for chronic pain. Many small studies
have shown that hypnosis can provide at least temporary pain relief, and may
also lead to a reduction in pain over time. Such approaches to pain management
can enhance quality of life and reduce disability related to chronic pain.

The current study involved 16 men and women, aged 23 to 54 years, who were
randomized to a treatment group or a non-treatment control group. The treatment
group participated in 30-minute hypnosis treatment sessions once weekly for 10
weeks. Both groups continued to receive standard treatments, including analgesic
and antidepressant drugs, physiotherapy, and chiropractic therapy. After the
initial 10-week treatment period, the patients in the control group were offered
hypnosis therapy. Patients completed a 25-item questionnaire evaluating pain,
fatigue, concentration problems, activities of daily living, pain interference
in work and social life, anxiety and pessimism, and overall quality of life.
These subjective scores were rated on a scale from 1 to 100, with higher numbers
representing more suffering.

In total, 7 patients from the initial treatment group, plus 5 from the original
control group, completed hypnosis therapy. These 12 patients experienced a
significant reduction in pain and suffering scores, with a mean improvement of
9.9 points, from 51.5 to 41.6. The 7 patients from the initial treatment group
experienced a significant score reduction from 62.5 to 55.4. The 5 patients who
completed hypnosis treatment after participating in the control group
experienced a near 13-point improvement in functioning, with scores decreasing
from 35.97 to 23.54. The 8 patients in the initial control group showed an
increase in suffering, with a near 8-point score increase from 37.2 to 45.1.

All 12 patients that completed hypnosis therapy completed follow-up after 1
year, and reported a score of 41.3, indicating maintenance of quality of life
improvement. All of the patients reported using self-hypnosis methods at least
once weekly during the year and would have taken advantage of additional
hypnosis therapy if it had been available.

Seth-Deborah Roth CRNA,CCHt,CI
www.hypnotherapyforhealth.com
read my blog at www.hypnotichealth.blogspot.com
as seen on the "MythBusters"

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