Chronic pain, defined as a pain that lasts for more than three months, has become one of the most persistent and debilitating health issues in the United States. In 2021, Brigham and Women’s Hospital researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that “approximately 50 million U.S. adults—one in five—experience chronic pain.” This pain may be constant or recurring but always impacts our ability to manage the demands of daily life. Although chronic pain sometimes has an obvious cause, such as an injury or illness, psychological factors can also lead to chronic pain. Some common conditions associated with chronic pain include arthritis, depression, fibromyalgia, and migraines. Chronic pain interferes with sleep, appetite, and mobility. Experiencing chronic pain also affects our mental and emotional health, increasing our stress and anxiety. In addition, chronic pain can be very isolating. People struggling with pain often hesitate to seek support because they fear being dismissed or misunderstood. Hypnosis has always been a powerful pain management tool. Most research focuses on the analgesic effect of hypnosis; however, we can also use hypnosis to improve our quality of life through better sleep, reduced anxiety, and increased self-esteem. Hypnosis for pain relief typically involves therapeutic imagery. For example, imagining a peaceful, relaxing scene in nature activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which plays a vital role in helping the body recover from physical and emotional stress. We can also use guided imagery to decrease our heart rate, lower our blood pressure, and reduce tension. Guided imagery redirects the mind away from thoughts of discomfort or distress, making room for calm, healing thoughts. This state of relaxation increases our endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers. Health coaching can also be a viable option for those struggling with chronic pain. A qualified health and wellness coach has the time and expertise to assess your unique experience with pain and determine how this pain has impacted your life. The right coach will work with you to create a wellness plan that allows you to manage your pain through the development of healthy habits such as following an anti-inflammatory diet, maintaining your physical therapy routine, or practicing mindfulness. The motivation and understanding a health coach provides will enhance the effects of a pain management plan and may reduce the need for prescription medication in the future.
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