Effects of Self-Hypnosis Training and Emg Biofeedback Relaxation Training on Chronic Pain in Persons with Spinal-Cord Injury

Int J Clin Exp Hypn, 2009 · DOI: 10.1080/00207140902881007 · Published: July 1, 2009

Spinal Cord Injury Alternative Medicine Pain Management

Simple Explanation

This study explores whether self-hypnosis can help people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) manage their chronic pain, comparing it to EMG biofeedback relaxation training. Participants in both groups reported less pain immediately after treatment sessions. However, only the self-hypnosis group experienced a lasting decrease in daily pain. The study suggests self-hypnosis may offer a tool for managing pain in SCI patients, potentially improving their sense of control and well-being.

Study Duration

3-month follow-up

Participants

37 adults with spinal-cord injury and chronic pain

Evidence Level

Level 1: Randomized controlled trial

Key Findings

1
Participants in both treatment conditions reported substantial, but similar, decreases in pain intensity from before to after the treatment sessions.
2
Participants in the HYP condition, but not the BIO condition, reported statistically significant decreases in daily average pain pre- to posttreatment. These pre- to posttreatment decreases in pain reported by the HYP participants were maintained at 3-month follow-up.
3
Participants in the HYP condition, but not the BIO condition, also reported significant pre- to posttreatment increases in perceived control over pain, but this change was not maintained at the 3-month follow-up.

Research Summary

The study compared self-hypnosis (HYP) and EMG biofeedback (BIO) for chronic pain management in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients, finding both reduced immediate pain. HYP group showed lasting daily pain reduction and increased perceived control over pain, though the latter wasn't sustained at 3-month follow-up. Findings suggest self-hypnosis can be a beneficial tool for chronic pain management in SCI, particularly for neuropathic pain, warranting further exploration.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Self-hypnosis can be considered as a pain management option for SCI patients, especially those with neuropathic pain.

Future Research

Further studies are needed to explore the specific mechanisms of hypnosis in pain reduction and to identify predictors of treatment success.

Treatment Design

Treatment protocols might be optimized by including suggestions aimed at sustaining perceived control over pain in the long term.

Study Limitations

1
Participants in the two treatment conditions were not equivalent at pretreatment on all measures.
2
The control condition used may have included components of hypnosis.
3
The relatively low sample size of the study.

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