- How long does it take to do the entire program?
- What services are included in the Pain Management Program?
- Is this hypnosis?
- I have real pain in my body. If I can reduce my pain just by thinking about it, does that mean I'm imagining the pain?
- Can I reduce my pain medication using this program?
- Will I hurt myself if I become more active because my pain has decreased?
- Why does my body warm up when I do my pain reduction program?
- How often should I use my program?
Q.How long does it take to do the entire program?
A. The Pain Management Program will teach you three levels of skill at the rate of one level per week. The first week of the treatment program will require you to practice for about 45 minutes a day. In the second week of training, the time commitment necessary for pain control and skill development will drop significantly. By the third week, you will most likely be at Level 3, where you will be able to reduce pain with one simple command while you are simultaneously involved in other tasks.
Q. What services are included in the Pain Management Program?
A. A certified NeuroBehavioral Programs practitioner will be working with you to guide you through the program. For the first three weeks you will have weekly appointments with the certified practitioner as well as next-day check-in appointments. After completion of Level 3 you will do the program on your own for 30 days, at which point the practitioner will contact you for a follow-up appointment. The program includes unlimited telephone support, and you are encouraged to contact your practitioner if you need additional assistance during your treatment. You will receive the NeuroBehavioral Pain Management Program Companion Manual and audio CD when you sign up for the program. These materials will help you to further develop the pain relief skills you learn in the scheduled appointments with your practitioner.
Q. Is this hypnosis?
A. No, this isn't hypnosis. But hypnosis may depend on the same underlying neural mechanisms and the process of information transduction in turning verbal instructions into physical-emotional outcomes. NeuroBehavioral work doesn't use trance induction. Unlike hypnosis as it's popularly practiced, this process can be done in noisy, distracting environments without mental imagery or alterations in normal consciousness. In the more advanced phases of training, after stating the desired outcome, a patient can become absorbed in a completely unrelated task while the result develops without further attention.
Q. I have real pain in my body. If I can reduce my pain just by thinking about it, does that mean I'm imagining the pain?
A. No, your pain isn't imaginary. You have real pain and a real diagnosis. The pain isn't “just” in your head or mind in the way you might be thinking. This program trains you easily, step by step, to change the perception of pain by using your brain. You'll be learning to block pain in the same way you might learn to ride a bike or engage in a sport.
Q. Can I reduce my pain medication using this program?
A. Because of side effects, many physicians and pain management programs attempt to help patients become less reliant or dependent upon pain medication. Please remember that chronic pain may indicate a serious medical condition, and that if you want to reduce your levels of pain medication, you should do so only with the knowledge and support of your primary care physician.
Q. Will I hurt myself if I become more active because my pain has decreased?
A. To avoid injury, you're advised to consult with your physician about how much activity you should engage in. The general recommendation is to change your activity level slowly. Always try to underdo it. Often patients feel the desire to make up for lost time when they've become skilled in pain control. Our advice is to enjoy your pain relief first. Go slowly. Take time to consider adjustments you may want to make in enlarging or changing your daily activities.
Q. Why does my body warm up when I do my pain reduction program?
A. Approximately 80% of patients report a warming sensation during pain reduction. This warming sensation is thought to come from increased blood flow to previously constricted areas as physical pain, stress, and negative emotions are relieved and brought under control.
Q. How often should I use my program?
A. Use your program whenever your pain becomes slightly noticeable. Patients are often used to tolerating high levels of discomfort and will often wait until the pain becomes high. Keep your pain turned off! Be sure to log your results. Relief time should typically be well over two hours to a whole day.