What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is more than just a lingering discomfort—it’s a condition that can affect almost every aspect of your life. Defined as pain that lasts for more than three months, chronic pain can persist even after the body has healed from an injury or illness. Sometimes, it develops without any clear cause, which can make it even more challenging to understand and manage.
This condition affects over a third of adults in the UK, and it doesn’t just impact grown-ups—up to one in ten children may also experience chronic pain. The nature of this pain can vary: it might be a constant dull ache, sharp bursts of discomfort, or a burning or throbbing sensation. The intensity can fluctuate, making it hard to predict, which can add to the frustration of living with chronic pain.
While chronic pain might feel overwhelming, it’s important to recognise that it’s not just a physical issue. It often impacts your mental and emotional well-being as well, leaving you feeling exhausted, stressed, or even isolated. However, with the right knowledge and support, chronic pain can be managed in ways that significantly improve your quality of life.
Chronic pain costs the UK £10 billion
Persistent pain affects 23% of people, rising to 30% in older adults.
Chronic pain is more prevalent in women
1 in 20 people may be affected by fibromyalgia
What causes it?
Chronic pain can arise from a variety of causes, and in some cases, it appears without a clear trigger. Often, it follows an injury or surgery, but what sets chronic pain apart is its persistence—long after the body has healed, the pain continues.
In some cases, chronic pain occurs without a specific injury or cause. Conditions such as fibromyalgia are examples of this, where the nervous system becomes overly sensitive, responding to even non-painful stimuli as if they were painful. This process, known as central sensitisation, makes the pain feel relentless and unprovoked.
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing chronic pain. Women are more likely to experience chronic pain than men, and the risk tends to increase with age. Genetics can also play a role—some people may be more predisposed to chronic pain because of their family history. Other contributing factors include stress, trauma, and certain medical conditions, all of which can influence how the body processes and responds to pain.
Understanding the triggers and factors that contribute to chronic pain is an essential first step in taking control of it. While you may not always be able to identify a single cause, recognising the complexities behind chronic pain can help you approach it more effectively.
What are the symptoms & effects?
Living with chronic pain can feel like a constant battle, not only with your body but also with your mind. The pain itself can take many forms—it might be sharp, stabbing, or throbbing, and it often resists conventional treatments. Beyond the physical sensation, chronic pain can interfere with your ability to sleep, affecting your energy levels and overall mood.
Chronic pain can also lead to changes in appetite, either causing you to lose interest in food or to turn to comfort eating as a way of coping with the emotional toll. The cumulative effect of poor sleep, low energy, and ongoing discomfort can make it difficult to maintain your usual activities, whether that’s going to work, socialising, or even enjoying hobbies.
Mentally, chronic pain can be overwhelming. It’s common for people with chronic pain to experience anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. When the pain prevents you from participating in social activities or achieving your personal goals, it can have a serious impact on your self-esteem and sense of identity.
However, it’s important to remember that chronic pain doesn’t have to control your life. There are strategies and treatments that can help you manage the symptoms and reclaim a sense of normality. By working closely with healthcare professionals, you can develop a plan that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of living with chronic pain.
How can it be managed?
Managing chronic pain requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond medication. While pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, might be part of your plan, it’s crucial to address the broader impact chronic pain has on your life.
Physical activities like gentle stretching, walking, or swimming can be incredibly beneficial, even if it seems counterintuitive to move when you’re in pain. Regular movement helps to maintain flexibility, strengthen muscles, and can even reduce the severity of pain over time. For those with conditions like chronic back pain or arthritis, these exercises can be especially effective in breaking the cycle of pain and stiffness.
Mental health care is equally vital in managing chronic pain. Techniques like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness can help you develop healthier ways of thinking about pain and reduce the emotional strain it places on you. Meditation and relaxation exercises can help ease muscle tension, improve sleep quality, and boost your overall sense of wellbeing.
Support networks also play a crucial role. Whether through support groups, online communities, or professional counselling, talking to others who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly comforting. It helps to share your experiences, gather advice, and realise that you’re not alone on this journey.
Ultimately, managing chronic pain is about finding the right combination of treatments and self-care practices. It’s a process that might take time, but with perseverance and the right support, you can regain control over your life and reduce the impact of pain on your day-to-day activities.
How can hypnotherapy help?
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy offers a powerful and supportive approach for managing chronic pain. It works by changing the way your brain processes and interprets pain signals, helping to reduce the intensity of the pain you experience. By guiding you into a state of deep relaxation, Solution Focused Hypnotherapy helps your mind become more receptive to positive suggestions, allowing you to reshape how you perceive and respond to pain.
During a typical session, a trained hypnotherapist will use relaxation techniques and guided imagery to help you reach a focused, calm state. This process interrupts the pain signals that are sent to your brain, reducing the discomfort you feel. Many people also find that hypnotherapy helps lower anxiety, improves sleep, and fosters a more positive outlook on their ability to manage their pain.
One of the key benefits of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is that it can be used alongside other medical treatments. It’s a complementary therapy that enhances the effectiveness of traditional pain management strategies by addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of pain. Many clients find that regular sessions of hypnotherapy help them feel more in control of their pain, and they are often taught self-hypnosis techniques to use between appointments.
If chronic pain has been weighing you down, Solution Focused Hypnotherapy could offer the relief you’ve been searching for. It’s a holistic approach that empowers you to take control of your pain and improve your overall quality of life.
Our Chronic Pain Specialists
Carmen Harrington
Market Harborough
Caroline Prout
Thrapston
Chris Johannes
Spalding
Claire Noyelle
Maidstone East
Dawn Ibbetson
Chelmsford
Gary Johannes
Peterborough
Jill Whitehouse
Newcastle upon Tyne
Keeley Smith
Southend-on-Sea
Kerry Seymour
Weston-super-Mare
Why Choose Inspired To Change
Our solution focused hypnotherapists empower you to better understand your brain, helping to guide you towards solutions and achieve the outcomes you want. We have a team of fully trained hypnotherapists, giving you the choice of who to work with and how you want to work with them. Solution focused hypnotherapy is just as effective in-person or online in the comfort of your own home, so you can find the ideal therapist to help you reach your goals.
Every one of our hypnotherapists is recognised by governing bodies like the National Council for Hypnotherapy, the UK’s leading not-for-profit hypnotherapy professional association. They have all trained with Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training, one of the leading hypnotherapy schools in the UK.
