I'd like to step in here for a moment. I have arthritis in every joint in my body and have had troubles with arthritis since I was 19 years old (am now 35). Initially, I required pain killers and NSAIDs to help control pain. During physical therapy, it was suggested to me to also learn how to reduce pain through mind control. My rheumatologist also felt that this was the best course of action as well considering that many chronic pain patients become tolerant to main pain relieving medications as well as being aware of pain at some level reduced the likelihood of self injury. Controlling pain in this manner is through self hypnosis. It was not considered "new age" whatsoever.

After practicing these techniques, I have come to the point where I no longer feel my toes, although they are contorted by arthritis (claw toe). I am only dimly aware of arthritic pain in my hands. I currently have trigger finger in my middle right finger. Whereas previously less severe trigger finger caused me much pain 10 years ago, today, I only feel a vague prickly sensation. I've had two pain control highlights over the years. The first was while a dentist was drilling on one of my teeth. I was aware of pain but was able to control it while I patiently waited for him to stop for a moment to inform him that the novocaine was not working at that time. The second was during my c-section with my daughter. I was given a spinal block sometime before the operation started and the block started to fail while I was still open on the operating table. Instead of screaming, I politely informed the anesthesiologist and doctors working on me that I felt pain. I would've rated the pain at about a 10, using the traditional pain scale. The pain went from extreme to a dull cramping. I would not have been able to manage it for the entire duration of the surgery but long enough for the anesthesiologist to react and administer a drug to render me unconcious.

Now, I don't believe that there is anything special in regards to myself in my ability to block pain mentally. I am aware of several other people that use this This is something that is generally pretty effective for anyone that experiences chronic pain. We are the ones who have the opportunity to practice pain control on a daily basis through relaxation techniques and so on. This isn't firewalking where the pain isn't really there. Pain management through mental techniques is very much alive and well for patients who experience chronic pain through reputable doctors and psychologists.

Stephanie

In every man there is something wherein I may learn of him, and in that I am his pupil.--Ralph Waldo Emerson