Biofeedback 2003: Its role in pain management

Historically, biofeedback has played a significant role in the treatment of chronic pain conditions. The quality and extent of the literature supporting its use for different chronic pain conditions varies, depending on the particular condition under study. The current article sought to examine the literature with respect to biofeedback and chronic pain, and summarize the current indications of this treatment modality for various disorders. Conditions reviewed include headaches, temporomandibular disorders, low back pain, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and Reynaud's disease. The authors conclude that biofeedback represents a useful adjunctive treatment technique for most chronic pain conditions. Its addition to standard treatment provides significant incremental validity for many disorders. Future studies should concentrate on adequately integrating research and clinical objectives, and methodological difficulties common to research in this area are noted.