Fibromyalgia and Hypnosis

Written by Nicole McKendry, Clinical Hypnotherapist

what is fibromyalgia?...

#Fibromyalgia (fi-bro-my-al-juh) is a chronic musculoskeletal disorder resulting in widespread pain and fatigue throughout the body.

Pain radiates from the fibrous tissues such as tendons and ligaments and is described notably by those suffering from the condition as an aching, stabbing and burning sensation from head to toe.

The actual cause of Fibromyalgia has yet to be identified but research suggests that it often develops after some form of trauma that acts as a trigger such as a fall, car accident, childbirth, viral infection, operation or an emotional event.  However, it can develop without any visible trigger.

Symptoms of the Condition - In addition to #chronicpain and #fatigue there are a number of symptoms experienced from person to person, some of these can often include:

• Sleep Disorders
• Chronic Headaches
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Tingling, numbness, Prickling or burning in hands or feet
• Sensitivity to external factors such as weather
• Allergies
• Cognitive Disturbances (#FibroFog) such as lack of concentration, temporary memory impairments, slow or confused speech
• Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)

Read more about Fibromyalgia Symptoms on the NHS website.

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Current treatment of this condition seems to be focused on treating the symptoms and not the actual condition itself.  This may be attributed to on-going research into the actual cause of Fibromyalgia.  Prescribed medication is the primary treatment provided by the medical profession.  However, those suffering from the disorder believe learning to manage the symptoms will provide greater relief as current medicinal drugs have been suggested to be insufficient in controlling symptoms

Aggravating Factors - Fibromyalgia symptoms can be triggered and intensified by a number of environmental, emotional and physical factors.  Avoiding these triggers could help to reduce the severity of your symptoms:

• Stress
• Smoking
• Overexertion
• Weather
• Poor Posture

Managing Symptoms with Hypnosis - #Hypnosis is a mind-body therapy and can help those suffering from Fibromyalgia to make positive changes both mentally and physically.  With the application of hypnosis those diagnosed with this chronic condition can begin to manage the symptoms and aggravating factors to provide them with a lifelong management system for the disorder. 

Effects of Hypnosis on Fibromyalgia Sufferers - many sufferers attribute a reduction in their symptoms with the treatment of hypnosis and often use hypnosis as a way to limit their pain symptoms and increase their energy and comfort level.

 1. Pain Relief - Hypnosis has long been utilised in managing pain and works in three phrases.  The first is complete physical relaxation.  This is important as the muscles of those in pain become tense and this in turn increases pain.  Hypnosis can bring about a level of relaxation required for total muscular relaxation.  The second phase is sensory alteration, transforming the pain into another sensation whereby triggering a different perception of the pain in the patients mind.  The final phase is a form of mental distraction, to draw the sufferer's attention from the source of the pain, which in turn has the ability to server the connection between fear in the mind and symptoms in the body.

2. Stress Management - Emotional stress and #anxiety can trigger muscular pain, headaches and in extreme cases anxiety attacks.  It can also cause sleep disturbances which in turn increases symptoms of the condition.  Learning to successfully deal with stress using hypnosis can help patients to manage symptoms and the condition easier.

3. Quit Smoking - #Smoking is an aggravating factor in Fibromyalgia.  Those suffering from the condition have reported finding that inhaling nicotine can trigger and flare symptoms.  The reason for this is due to the fact nicotine impairs the function of your muscles and as it enters the bloodstream it reduces the amount of oxygen circulating the body.  With a reduction in oxygenated blood, muscles don't receive the vital oxygen and are unable to repair themselves, causing the sufferer pain.  Nicotine has also been linked to muscle contractions, which in turn can lead to sleep disorders like restless leg syndrome.  If you want to ease your symptoms and manage the condition, it is highly suggested you consider cutting nicotine out of your life.

Other benefits of hypnosis include:

• decreased muscle pain
• decreased morning fatigue
• fewer sleep difficulties
• increased relaxation

Fibromyalgia impacts the lives of those diagnosed with this condition on a daily basis.  However, with the application of clinical hypnotherapy they can learn to manage symptoms and begin to take back control of their bodies.

If you would like to discuss using hypnotherapy for Fibromyalgia or book an appointment at my #Cheltenham clinic, please contact me on [email protected] or call me direct on 07525 375957.