Mediation and Remediation of Sensitized Chronic Pain by Heart Rate Variability and Emotion Regulation

This presentation will summarize data and planned research on how heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) and emotion regulation (ER) and can remediate inflammation and stress-related mental disorders in patients with sensitized chronic pain. Autonomic nervous system (ANS) stress responding is a central factors underlying sensitized chronic pain, and HRV is a real-time indicator of ANS function. Paced slow breathing is very effective at increasing HRV and is the most widely used method for increasing heart rate oscillations and associated HRV. Techniques of HRVB are based on coaching to improve ER in addition to the use of a breath pacer. ER, the ability to exert control over one’s own emotional state, is improved by increased HRV. How the application of HRVB with ER to sensitized chronic pain to regulate ANS function, increase ER, and reduce stress, inflammation, depression, and anxiety will be explored in this presentation.