A Neurofeedback Treatment for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
A Neurofeedback Treatment for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
This study evaluates the effects of a novel neurofeedback treatment on pain specific
 brainwaves in adults.

 Chronic pain patients enrolled in this study will be randomized into a treatment group and a
 sham group.
Recent research has underlined that central nervous system structures play a key role in the
 development of pain with significant maladaptive plasticity occurring in several brain areas.
 Non-pharmacological treatments, such as neurofeedback, are designed to restore normal brain
 function alongside with relieving pain symptoms. With a neurofeedback approach, the patient
 is provided with a feedback on specific brain waves recorded using non-invasive recording
 techniques (electroencephalography - EEG) and visualized on a screen.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Patients suffering from chronic pain due to tennis elbow for at least 3 months

 -  A clinical diagnosis of chronic lateral epicondylalgia,

 -  Pain associated with functional activities such as gripping and pain with resisted
 contraction of the wrist extensors or extensor carpi radialis brevis, or with passive
 stretching of the wrist extensors.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Clinical diagnosis of chronic lateral epicondylalgia on both sides, cervicothoracic
 spinal pathology, other upper limb musculoskeletal disorders or neurological disorders

 -  Pregnancy

 -  Drug addiction defined as the use of cannabis, opioids or other drugs

 -  Previous or current neurologic, musculoskeletal or mental illnesses defined as an
 on-going systemic condition

 -  Lack of ability to cooperate

 -  Current use of medications that may affect the trial e.g. analgesics, anti-
 inflammatory drugs

 -  Consumption of alcohol, caffeine, nicotine or painkillers throughout the study period

 -  Past history of chronic pain, neurological or psychiatric conditions

 -  Participation in other pain trials throughout the study period and one month prior to
 participation

 -  Participation in more than two sessions of muscle training exercises per week
 involving the upper limb and/or lower back

 -  Evidence of other sources of elbow pain such as exacerbation of pain with neck
 movement or manual examination

 -  Sensory disturbances

 -  History of fractures

 -  Elbow surgery

 -  Contraindications to the use of TMS