The Various Factors Determining the Strength of the Placebo Effect in Chronic Pain.
Curious about which factors determine the strength of the placebo effect in chronic pain?
top of page
Ethical objections among healthcare providers
Studies show that 46% of internists and rheumatologists in the US recommend the use of placebos, yet have never prescribed one. In Australia, 77% of doctors have indicated having prescribed an active placebo (a medication intended for a different condition) at some point.
The primary reason for not prescribing placebos is ethical concerns among healthcare providers, who are hesitant to deceive patients.
Deception is unnecessary
Since the groundbreaking research by Kaptchuck and colleagues (2010) at Harvard Medical School, open-label placebos have been gaining ground. Twelve studies now confirm that open-label placebos, without deception, can also be effective for chronic pain.
Placebos as Eye-Openers
In 2016, patients with chronic pain took open-label placebos alongside their regular treatment for three weeks (Kaptchuck et al., 2021). Five years later, the following results show that open-label placebos lead to lasting improvement:
Less Pain
Average pain reduction of 2 points on the Pain Composite Scale, representing a decrease of 40%.
Enhanced Natural Pain Management
Increase from 18% to 29% in alternative pain management methods (breathing techniques, mindfulness, etc.).
Reduced physical limitations
30% improvement in physical functionality. Think of activities such as stair climbing, getting up, etc.
Reutilization of placebos
66% of patients are open to trying placebos again.
Reduction in Pain Medication
The use of pain medication decreases from 87% to 38%.
Placebos as an eye-opener
Open-label placebos cause patients to perceive pain, pain medication, and the body's pain-relieving capacity differently.
Key conditions for effectiveness
.png){kind=icon}
Design
The appearance of a placebo is crucial. That's why our product is specifically designed for pain, incorporating scientific insights into price, color, size, packaging, and branding.
Rationale
When patients understand how an open-label placebo can still be effective, it enhances the pain-relieving effects. That's why we provide our users with a free course and a coaching session.
Relationship
Trust in the healthcare provider is crucial for the placebo effect. Through the course material and personal contact during the coaching session, we build this trust.
Here's what the complete Placebo journey looks like
01
Refer Client
You can directly refer your client to the placebo patient page of this website, or you can leave contact information and we will get in touch with your client.
03
Coursebook (free)
Patients go through a coursebook (valued at €200) where all necessary knowledge for an effective placebo is explained in an accessible manner. Through knowledge questions and practical assignments, patients then apply the insights in practice.
02
Order Placebos (15€)
Your client can order the placebos via the website's online shop for €15. Each box contains 46 capsules, sufficient for three weeks of daily use, as was done in the scientific studies.
04
Consultation (free)
After completing the coursebook, a consultation (valued at €100) is held with a Pain-Changer staff member. During this consultation, we discuss the results of the coursebook together and create a personalized intake protocol for an optimal placebo effect.
How to use Pain Placebos?
With or without pain medication
01
In addition to medication
Recent research on lower back pain revealed that participants receiving honest placebos in addition to their pain medication experienced a 28% reduction in pain after three weeks, compared to a 9% reduction in the group receiving only the usual pain medication.
02
Without medication
Studies involving individuals with Fibromyalgia and Migraine demonstrated that honest placebos had positive effects in reducing pain and improving the quality of life, even when participants were aware that they were receiving a placebo.
DISCLAIMER
Pain-Changer currently utilizes placebos only as a complement to regular pain medication or for individuals who do not use pain medication. Although scientific research indicates the potential for tapering off pain medication using dose-extending placebos, Pain-Changer currently limits its applications to these scenarios. Any changes in medication intake should only occur after consultation with the attending physician.
Seven reasons to try Pain-Changer's honest placebos
01
Effective. A meta-study of 12 research studies shows a medium-sized effect, ranging from a 40% reduction in pain to sometimes as much as 5 to 6 pain points.
02
Evidence-based placebos. Our self-designed placebos integrate all scientific insights for an optimal placebo effect.
03
Safe ingredients. The placebos are filled by certified manufacturers with Microcrystalline Cellulose, a natural substance that is vegetarian and neutral. This eliminates negative side effects due to harmful substances.
04
Safe usage. The pain placebos can be safely used in addition to current treatment.
05
For all types of Chronic Pain. Placebos work through the brain. This means they are suitable for all types of pain.
06
Positive Side Effects. Five years after use, patients experience fewer physical limitations (30% improvement), an additional 39% have stopped pain medication, and there is more natural pain management.
07
Placebo Expertise. Understanding how placebos work is crucial for optimal effect. Pain-Changer is the only provider that combines self-designed placebos with a professional education program.
Pain Education
While guidelines for pain education recommend crucial early interventions for persistent pain, less than 4% of patients have received this education.
The essential knowledge about pain is therefore integrated into the Placebo Coursebook. Understanding the mechanism of placebos requires a good understanding of the pain system.
Lower Back Pain: pain medication three times more effective with an honest placebo.
Recent research on lower back pain revealed that participants who received honest placebos in addition to their pain medication experienced a 28% reduction in pain after three weeks, compared to a 9% reduction in the group receiving only the standard pain medication.
Curious about more science?
Discover the Placebo Possibilities
01
Pain Clinics
As the lead practitioner in our pain clinic, I am enthusiastic about the possibilities that honest placebos offer as part of our treatments. For patients who have not experienced success with conventional methods, these placebos provide an innovative approach to regain confidence in the body's ability to reduce pain. Our protocol integration of honest placebos, with the guidance of Pain-Changer, has helped many of our patients rediscover the power of their own bodies in managing pain.
03
Addiction treatment centers
In our addiction treatment center, we have successfully integrated honest placebos into our treatment protocol. By conditioning the placebos with the current pain medication, we offer our patients an innovative approach to tapering in a controlled manner. This allows individuals to acclimate to reducing medication without losing the immediate physiological effects.
02
As an anesthesiologist in the operating room (OR), I have experienced the valuable role that the use of honest placebos can play in our medication tapering protocol. With the integration of Pain-Changer's Placebo Coaching, our patients learn to trust in the natural ability of their own bodies for pain relief. This approach has not only helped reduce dependence on pain medication but also positively impacted the recovery process after surgery.
04
General Practitioners
As a general practitioner, I have a patient whom I prefer not to expose to traditional pain medication. As a last resort, I recommended Pain-Changer's Pain Placebos and coaching. The innovative approach of honest placebos allows patients to manage pain naturally, without the side effects of regular medication. Through my referral to Pain-Changer, I hope to offer my patient an alternative and effective route for pain relief, based on trust in the body's natural ability.
Other Pain Solutions
bottom of page