Hypnosis is a very powerful modality that used correctly can provide lasting and overtime, even complete relief. It doesn't have to be temporary and you shouldn't be forced to choose talk therapy over hypnotherapy. In all cases of chronic pain, talk therapy is just as important.

In the case of hypnotherapy, you should ask your hypnotherapist why they aren't setting you up to be able to help yourself in the form of a post hypnotic suggestion. Used properly and regularly eventually you wont need hypnotherapy any more.

Keep in mind that hypnotherapy is not some kind of meditation where the results last only during the session, though to be honest even meditation has cumulative effects and advantages. Hypnotherapy, when used correctly can cause lasting and lifelong changes, improvements to physical health that cannot be easily explained by allopathic medicine.

Einstein once said that the average human being uses less than 10% of total brain capacity and this has been followed up by "modern" science. Fact is the subconcious mind (the area effected by hypnotherapy) is dramatically more powerful than the conscious mind by a long stretch. It is capable of things outside "modern" understanding. The trick is finding a hypnotherapist who really knows how to make it work. My suggestion is to consider finding a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, as they have significantly more training, and must pass a tough exam to be certified.

Other things to try include, yes, meditation as well as Tai Chi and Reiki. All three are really good for health and dealing with pain. What makes me such an "expert" well I've been using all of them for many years on myself, for pain and plenty of other things. In fact while writing this I paused briefly to do some Reiki on my hurting shoulder. I'm a Certified, Clinical Hypnotherapist, and a Reiki Master/Teacher, so I do have some idea of what I'm taling about.

Another thing to ask you hypnotherapist about is a tape or CD to use at home on your own time. Something else to consider is having your therapist type up the session he/she uses on you during a session and then take it home and record it yourself to use whenever you want or need to at home.

Sam