Although EMG biofeedback has been successfully used in the treatment of headache, its application to back pain has been sparse, with meager to moderate success. This paper deals with some of the specific problems encountered in EMG biofeedback training of patients with chronic back pain. It questions whether treatment outcome can be related to a change in muscle tension and whether relaxation will be accompanied by reduction of the pain. An alternative view of the application of EMG biofeedback in the treatment of back pain is suggested.
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