Mind And Body Therapy In Back Pain Treatment

Mind and body is a form of therapy used in treating lower back pains. It is argued that some pain lies in the mind and there are successful instances where mind and body therapy has worked in relieving pain in patients.

The basis of this therapy is teaching self regulation strategies which include hypnosis, biofeedback, and relaxation techniques. They work towards teaching patients to relax better and enhance their pain coping mechanism. They target muscles which promotes relaxation and control of pain. This is done by relaxing muscles so that the amount of energy used in keeping muscles tight is reduced; the patient is able to feel in control of the situation.

Patients are trained to cope with pain through visualization techniques. A patient is asked to imagine pain signals emanating from their spine as electricity wires. When they start feeling pain, this is associated with electricity wires glowing. As they relax and enter a hypnotic state they are asked to visualize the glow on wires decreasing in intensity. As they visualize the wires not flowing with as much intensity and frequency, they are able to numb their pain. This technique is used help patients control pain.

Patients are taught to manage pain using cognitive behavioral intervention. They are asked to change how they view their situation which helps in coping with the situation. The basis is to teach patients to adapt to the situation and function at their optimum given the circumstances.