(1)
Department of Anaesthesia, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
It is a technique designed to control physiological response. It involves using electronic instruments to measure and feedback the individuals about their physiological processes. This helps the person become aware of and gained control over their physiological processes. The primary aim is self-management of physiological responses. This has proved to be an effective intervention in pain management. A biological response is detected and is converted into a measurable form for patient’s understanding and then is fed back to the patient in a more meaningful form. It reduces disability due to chronic pain by helping patients control their anxiety associated with pain. Thermal feedback has been used for treatment of chronic arthritis pain and paediatric headache. Biofeedback is effective in headache and temporomandibular disorders (level III). Same benefit has been noted in arthritis (level III). Electromyography feedback is useful in arthritis and vulvar vestibulitis. The benefit of EMG biofeedback for low back pain increases in conjunction with cognitive therapy.