Therapies that address the mind-body link are often recommended for those dealing with long-term pain. Stress and anxiety are common side effects of pain and can even make the sensation feel worse. How the mind responds to pain also links to perceiving physical sensations.  Helping to reduce stress and change the thought patterns related to pain can therefore make a huge difference in pain perception. For this, many opt for hypnotherapy.

Research suggests that hypnotherapy can be an effective way of managing pain, chronic pain, and surgery-related pain and anxiety. 

What is chronic pain?

There are two different types of pain - acute and chronic pain. Acute pain (also referred to as short-term pain) is usually a result of an accident or temporary illness. In this case, your doctor will diagnose and suggest ways to manage the pain (for example, painkillers).

Chronic or long-term pain is often more complicated. The pain may result from a medical condition, or there may not be any obvious cause. This doesn't mean the pain isn't real. It just makes treatment that much more complex.