Mind can be powerful pain reliever, studies show

http://www.dispatch.com/features-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/09/18/20060918-C2-07.html

Monday, September 18, 2006
Laura Beil
THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS


DALLAS — Because human misery can’t be measured with an X-ray or blood test, the only true gauge of pain lies inside the mind. Acceptance of alternative medicine has soared from a generation ago, with pain sufferers leading the way.
To gain more relief, people often search inward, to relaxation, stress reduction, meditation, yoga and biofeedback.

The brain, while not able to will away hurt, might restore a sense of control that can become lost. This diminishes stress.

"Pain causes stress, and stress causes pain," said Dr. James Dillard of Columbia University Medical Center, who has training in chiropractic and acupuncture.

A 2000 review of 20 studies of mind-body therapy for pain, published in the journal Spine, found "strong evidence" that mindbody therapies can reduce pain’s intensity.