Biofeedback has shown evidence of assisting in more than 100 conditions. Though physicians are unsure exactly how the mechanics behind biofeedback work, many people have found success with the therapy. Some of the conditions that biofeedback is used to treat include:

• Headaches. Biofeedback has been shown to be particularly effective in the treatment of headaches. Neurofeedback, electromyography (EMG) and thermal biofeedback are used to learn relaxation techniques and control over muscle tension, circulation and to gain brain wave patterns.
  
  
• Arthritis. Biofeedback may ease the pain associated with many types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Training employs EMG to teach patients to control muscle tension and circulation.
  
  
• Back pain, neck pain or other joint pain. Techniques such as EMG may help patients become aware of, and learn to control, painful muscle tension. Techniques such as EMG may help patients become aware of, and learn to control, painful muscle tension.
  
  
• Fibromyalgia. A chronic, widespread pain syndrome. Biofeedback may ease pain, increase energy levels, alleviate cognitive (mental) dysfunction and improve sleep through mental control over muscle tension, anxiety and heart rate. EMG, neurofeedback and galvanic skin response training may be used for this condition.
  

• Myofascial pain syndrome. A chronic, local pain syndrome. Feedback evaluates the affected muscles at rest and during activity. Patients attempt to gain control over this muscular behavior as a method of reducing pain. EMG is typically used for this condition.
  
  
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease. SLE patients using biofeedback seek to control muscle tension, anxiety and brain wave patterns with the assistance of EMG, neurofeedback and galvanic skin response training. Biofeedback therapy for SLE may ease pain, improve cognitive function and reduce stress and fatigue.


Chronic fatigue syndrome. A debilitating condition marked by profound weariness and long-term pain. Biofeedback may help relieve stress, promote sleep and improve coping.


TMJ disorder. A painful disorder affecting the temporomandibular joints connecting the lower jawbone to the skull. Biofeedback for this condition typically employs EMG to teach control over tension in the muscles along the jaw that make the mouth clench.


Peripheral neuropathy. A nervous-system condition, sometimes caused by diabetes, that can cause numbness, tingling and burning. Biofeedback can help a patient control and reduce these types of pain.



• Skin ulcers. These open sores can be due to diabetes or other conditions. Thermal biofeedback has shown some success at reducing the pain associated with these sores.

• Vulvodynia. A pelvic pain syndrome affecting the vulva. Biofeedback applied to this condition seeks to control pelvic muscle tension to ease pain. EMG is typically used in biofeedback training for this condition.
  
  
• Prostatitis. An inflammation of the prostate gland. Biofeedback training can help alleviate the pain in the perineum that is associated with this condition. It may also treat prostatodynia, a noninflammatory disorder that, like vulvodynia, is a form of chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
  
  
• Raynaud’s phenomenon. A condition where the fingers or toes become discolored and numb, particularly in cold conditions. Patients using biofeedback learn to control the temperature in their skin. Biofeedback therapy may decrease the severity and frequency of attacks and allow an individual to increase the temperature of the hands and feet. Training typically employs thermal biofeedback and occasionally EMG.

Biofeedback has also been used to treat other chronic pain conditions, such as sickle cell anemia, advanced Lyme disease, irritable bowel syndrome and repetitive strain injuries. The National Institutes of Health is studying it in the treatment of high blood pressure. Biofeedback is also used for:

• Addictions, including alcoholism and smoking
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and phobias
• Insomnia
• Urinary and fecal incontinence
• Nausea and vomiting
• Asthma
• Hot flashes
• Bruxism (grinding of teeth)
• Learning disabilities
• Stuttering
• Head injuries
• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
• Stroke
• Epilepsy and seizures