How big a problem is chronic pain?

Chronic pain has been linked to numerous physical and mental conditions, and contributes to high health care costs and lost productivity. (1)

Chronic pain, one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care. (2)

It is estimated that between at least 20% and in some sub-groups 40% of people are experiencing chronic pain at any given time.

This is linked to:
 - restrictions in mobility and daily activities (3,4),
 - dependence on opioids (5),
 - anxiety and depression (3),
 - and poor perceived health or reduced quality of life 

Chronic pain is a huge problem. In the USA alone chronic pain contributes to an estimated $560 billion each year in direct medical costs, lost productivity, and disability programs.

Despite an abundance of pain killers on the market, and a wide variety of physical therapies, chronic pain continues to be the experience for hundreds of millions of people. Plus, it's incidence is on the rise. (6)

Is there...

Dave Elman (May 6, 1900 – 5 December 1967) was a noted American radio host, comedian, and songwriter, and important figure in the field of hypnosis. He is most known today as the author of Findings in Hypnosis (1964).

On page one of his famous book he states, "There is really no such thing as a hypnotist."

But what did he mean?

It strikes me that this notion was an important one to Elman, given that it is stated so early on. Yet, when I have discussed it's meaning with other hypnotists, there is little consensus about what it means.

Some suggest it means 'all hypnosis is self-hypnosis', that the subject essentially hypnotises themselves, even if a hypnotist is present. Other's have suggested that it means 'everyone is a hypnotist', that the skill is already in our hands. 

While both points have some merit, if we consider the quote in the context of other comments on the page, it becomes clear that Elman sees the hypnotist as more of a guide, or what he...

UK Hypnosis Convention 2019 - Last night I had the honour of delivering the keynote address at the gala dinner to 230 guests.

It was a go deep or go home situation. In what was a lovely surprise my friend and chief howler Tim A. Cummins wrote an introduction to my work which Adam Eason read out.

In summary my message was encouragement..

Day 2 of the UK Hypnosis Convention was incredible.

It kicked of with Gary 'Smiler' Turner giving a high-octane lecture about dealing with 'anger.' Great structure, packed with info and a fun delivery. 

I spent the rest of the day in the main room with the academics. It was so much more dynamic than I imagined it might be. Absolutely professional, informative talks, all day long.

My old business partner Kev Sheldrake gave a whistlestop history tour of Head Hacking. Using it as a vehicle to illustrate the hacker mindset, the importance of branding, and of course the appliance of science.

Ben Parras shared a fascinating look at the concepts of involuntariness and effortfulness, bringingup some of the most interesting studies into hypnosis.

Dr. Michael Heap, gave a rare and  excellent overview of his work as an expert witness in court cases involving hypnosis.

The day however, was utterly stolen by Prof. Zoltan Dienes. He suggested we rebrand hypnosis as 'phenomenological control.'...