Podcast 14: Chronic pain management with hypnotherapy. Looking at how hypnotherapy can help you manage the symptoms of chronic pain. There will also be a free hypnotherapyaudio at the end of this podcast that you can enjoy, keep and come back to time and time again.  Why do we feel pain? Pain is a signal that tells us something needs addressing. Our bodies can only communicate with us through sensations. This includes telling us where the pain is, is it continuous or varying and can range from mild pain to excruciating agony. We have many different word to describe pain and discomfort this might be sharp, dull, throbbing, nagging, it could be a burning sensation or itchy, an ache, a numb or pins and needles type feeling. Pain can be an indicator of many different things so it’s important you don’t self diagnose. Get checked out by your GP and make sure you follow any advice they give you. Chronic pain can be a mild inconvenience or totally incapacitating.  Acute pain, this starts suddenly and is usually short-term. Neuropathic or nerve pain that can come and go.  Visceral pain is felt when organs or tissues are damaged. Psychological pain or mental pain, this is an unpleasant feeling (a suffering) of a psychological, non-physical, origin. This isn’t to say it’s “all in your head” or that you’re making it up this means there is a psychological reason for your pain, your brain is sending signals down to your body that cause you to experience physical discomfort. Chronic pain is felt over a longer period of time, usually defined as chronic after 12 weeks of discomfort. We need to address psychological as well as the physical aspects of a pain condition. Taking painkillers is a good, short term solution but what are the underlying causes? Is stress a factor? It usually is in some shape or form, being in pain is a huge stressor which you can improve and reduce with relaxation techniques like hypnotherapy. Pain doesn’t usually exist alone, it might also cause Insomnia or disruption to your sleeping pattern. It’s hard to get comfortable enough to sleep when you’re in pain. Fatigue, it’s exhausting being in chronic pain. It can take all your energy to do the most basic jobs. Generalised discomfort. Withdrawal from activity and an increased need to rest. Not being able to socialise or visit loved ones. Weakened immune system. Changes in your mood. Physical disability. Today’s podcast will include techniques you can use to build the resources you will need  to manage chronic pain effectively. There are numerous techniques that can help you manage chronic pain so if you find you need more help visit www.altptherapies.co.uk to have a bespoke recording made for you with your challenges in mind.