Could Sensory Deprivation be the Answer to Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is a silent epidemic

Chronic pain is defined as persistent pain lasting longer than six months. It is an affliction that often carries devastating consequences for those who suffer from it. If left untreated, this condition can cause patients to isolate themselves, struggle professionally, and find it difficult to focus.

How chronic pain progresses

By involving both physical and psychological elements, the issue can swiftly turn into a cycle. The body’s neural and hormonal response to extreme pain can induce a continuous stress reaction. This, in turn, bolsters and prolongs the sensation of pain. One in five people are currently experiencing this chronic cycle.

A quick look at chronic pain symptoms:

• Joint pain

• Muscle aches

• Burning sensations

• Fatigue

• Sleep issues

• Loss of stamina and flexibility due to decreased activity

• Mood problems, including depression, anxiety, and irritability

This is not an exhaustive list of symptoms. Chronic pain can stem from numerous illnesses, autoimmune diseases, and other ailments, making its exact parameters hard to pin down. In short, what constitutes chronic pain varies from person to person. However, we do have an understanding of which conditions are most likely to be the root cause.

Ailments associated with chronic pain:

• Arthritis

• Repetitive stress injuries

• Headaches and migraines

• Fibromyalgia

• Nerve damage

• Lyme disease

• Multiple sclerosis

• Post-trauma pain

• Postsurgical pain

Can chronic pain be treated or cured?

Unfortunately, there is no catch-all cure for chronic pain. Since it is often a comorbid ailment, there is no fixed target for medical professionals to aim for. However, if the causes can be identified, several treatments can be applied. These include pharmacological therapy, physiotherapy, and psychotherapy. Often, a mixture of medication, surgery, and rehabilitation is administered to patients.

A look at other possible treatments

A global chronic pain community has formed in recent years, largely thanks to the internet. While primarily concerned with advocacy and education, there is a growing group of people who are unsatisfied with the traditional approach to chronic pain.

This uncertainty has moved many in the community to look toward alternative treatments. There is a keen focus on mindfulness, yoga, and stress control. Because chronic pain is so hard to define, these alternative treatments have also piqued the interest of researchers. Many are willing to delve into any possibility in the hopes of solving the seemingly unsolvable.

Could the answer be as easy as doing nothing?

Floatation Therapy uses sensory deprivation for healing purposes. It is believed that without the distraction of external stimuli, the mind is sharpened and freed from anxious thoughts.

To achieve this environment, tanks are filled with salt-saturated, body-temperature water. Upon entering the tank, the subject becomes wholly buoyant and at ease. The lid can be closed to allow no light to enter, and all outside noise is blocked out.

Floatation therapy is becoming mainstream

In recent years, floatation tanks have seen a rise in popularity, particularly among well-being and lifestyle communities. The most common belief is that sensory deprivation allows the mind to slow down and reset. While research on the topic is still in its early stages, the current consensus is that there is significant truth to these claims.

Does research support floating for chronic pain?

Claims have also been made to substantiate the physical benefits of Floatation Therapy. Considering what we know about the mind-body connection, this hypothesis is an intuitive next step. Researchers at Hannover Medical School in Germany conducted a randomized trial focusing on the use of Floatation Therapy for chronic pain. They studied a 99-patient sample of men and women who had been diagnosed with chronic pain disorder.

The test consisted of five treatment sessions lasting 60 to 90 minutes. Overall, the results showed that the group experienced short-term effects including pain relief, improved quality of sleep, lower stress levels, and a reduction in anxiety. We can conclude that float therapy for chronic pain looks very promising. We invite you to experience floating for yourself, or share this with those you love who deal with chronic pain every day.