This article both summarizes the previous reviews of randomized, controlled trials of hypnotic analgesia for the treatment of chronic and acute pain in adults, and reviews similar trials which have recently been published in the scientific literature. The results indicate that for both chronic and acute pain conditions: (1) hypnotic analgesia consistently results in greater decreases in a variety of pain outcomes compared to no treatment/standard care; (2) hypnosis frequently out-performs non-hypnotic interventions (e.g. education, supportive therapy) in terms of reductions in pain-related outcomes; and (3) hypnosis performs similarly to treatments that contain hypnotic elements (such as progressive muscle relaxation), but is not surpassed in efficacy by these alternative treatments. Factors that may influence the efficacy of hypnotic analgesia interventions are discussed, including, but not limited to, the patient's level of suggestibility, treatment outcome expectancy, and provider expertise. Based upon this body of literature, suggestions are offered for practitioners who are using, or would like to use, hypnosis for the amelioration of pain problems in their patients or clients.

Contemp Hypn. 2009 Mar 1;26(1):24-39. Stoelb BL, Molton IR, Jensen MP, Patterson DR. University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Rehabilitation. Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA

Full Title: Neck pain and disability outcomes following chiropractic upper cervical care: a retrospective case series.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of an upper cervical low-force (UCLF) chiropractic procedure, based on a vertebral alignment model, in the management of neck pain and disability by assessing the impact on valid patient outcome measures. DESIGN: A retrospective case series. METHODS: Consecutive patient files at a private chiropractic practice over a 1-year period were reviewed for inclusion. Data for the first visit, pre- and post-adjustment atlas alignment radiographic measurements, baseline and 2-weeks NDI (100 point) and verbal NRS (11 point) were recorded. The data were analyzed in their entirety and by groups comparing <30% vs. >30% post adjustment atlas alignment changes. RESULTS: Statistically significant clinically meaningful improvements in neck pain NRS (P < 0.01) and disability NDI (P < 0.01) after an average of 13.6 days of specific chiropractic care including 5.7 office visits and 2.7 upper cervical adjustments were demonstrated. There were no serious adverse events. Cases with the post-adjustment skull/atlas alignment measurement (atlas laterality) that were changed more than 30% on the first visit toward the orthogonal alignment predicted a statistically and clinically significant better outcome for NDI in 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: UCLF chiropractic instrument adjustments utilizing a vertebral alignment model are promising for the management of patients with neck pain based on assessment using valid outcome measures.

J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2009 Aug;53(3):173-85. Rochester RP. Chiropractic Spine Center of North Georgia, Inc., 475 S. Washington Street, Suite C, Clarkesville, GA 30523. Society of Chiropractic Orthospinology, Inc. (Non-profit organization) Board of Directors, Co-Author of the text: Orthospinology Procedures, An Evidence-Based Approach to Spinal Care. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007.