Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRV) addresses imbalances in the autonomic nervous
system (ANS). Chronic pain frequently results in activation of the body's
own natural stress response, which in turn artificially elevates and prolongs
excess sympathetic nervous system (SNS) processes. A number of studies have shown
that an increase in the opposing ANS process, namely the parasympathetic
nervous system (PNS), produces afferent vagal tone, which is then able to
inhibit the flow of pain signals traveling to the brain. By training the patient to
self-regulate their ANS activity, lowering hyper-excited SNS activity, and
encouraging the calming and naturally pain-diminishing PNS, pain sufferers can
effectively control their own pain experience without the side effects of
pharmacological interventions.
Return to Chronic Pain
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