Treat Fibromyalgia with Hypnotherapy
Thursday, January 29, 2009 by: Steve G. Jones, M.Ed.
(NaturalNews) Fibromyalgia is an illness with common symptoms such as pain, sensitivity to touch, fatigue, joint soreness, and problems sleeping. According to research conducted over the last 30 years, Fibromyalgia is most likely caused by the central nervous system. Symptoms of the disorder can be reduced using prescription drugs, psychological therapy, exercise, and hypnotherapy. Studies conducted showed that among many other forms of treatment, hypnosis therapy has been proven to help relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia and increase quality of life.
People diagnosed with fibromyalgia often experience chronic pain that can be very debilitating to their lives and careers. As many as 30% of people with fibromyalgia report having trouble simply doing their work. The illness affects approximately 2% of the population and is more likely to occur in women than men.
In 1991 an article appeared in The Journal of Rheumatology. The article talked about a study that had been performed on the effectiveness of hypnotherapy on patients who had not seen results from other forms of treatment of their fibromyalgia. Other forms of treatment that the participants underwent included prescription medication and cognitive behavioral therapy.
The study consisted of 40 participants. They were randomly selected to receive either hypnotherapy or physical therapy. They received either form of therapy for 12 weeks. All participants were assessed by the researchers at a 12 and 24 week follow-up. The participants were given the Hopkins Symptom Checklist to fill out and report their symptoms. The HSCL includes 58 items that patients are able to relate to their symptoms.
During both the 12-week and 24-week assessments, the participants in the hypnotherapy group reported a reduction in pain and fatigue and they also reported better sleep. Their assessments at the 12 and 24-week follow-up were compared to the baseline reporting of the HSCL.
Before the start of the study, all patients reported feeling discomfort both mentally and physically. At the follow up, those who received hypnotherapy reported a significant decrease in feelings of discomfort. However, those who received physical therapy did not report any significant decrease.
The researchers in this study concluded that hypnotherapy is a useful tool to help relieve pain and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. More research should be conducted to increase the maximum benefits of hypnosis on treating patients with fibromyalgia.
Hypnotherapy cannot only help reduce pain and fatigue in fibromyalgia patients, but it can improve their quality of life. Reduced pain and fatigue can allow fibromyalgia patients to lead a more normal life.
Source:
Haanen, H.C., Hoenderdos, H.T., van Romunde, L.K., Hop, W.C., Mallee, C., Terwiel, J.P. & Hekster G.B. (1991). Controlled Trial of Hypnotherapy in the Treatment of Refractory Fibromyalgia. The Journal of Rheumatology, 18(1), 72-5.
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