What technique is used to help manage pain and stress?

Biofeedback is a technique that helps individuals gain awareness and control over physiological functions, which can be instrumental in managing pain and stress. By using instruments that provide real-time feedback on bodily functions such as heart rate, muscle tension, and skin temperature, individuals can learn to modify their physiological responses consciously. This process empowers patients to reduce stress and cope with pain by developing awareness of their body's signals and learning techniques to alter them through relaxation and concentration.

In contrast, cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, which can also assist with pain management and stress relief, but it operates on a psychological level rather than directly addressing physiological responses. Relaxation training teaches skills like deep breathing and visualization which can help alleviate stress, but it is typically more effective when combined with biofeedback for the physiological aspect. Medication adjustment involves changing the dosage or type of medication a patient is taking, which may help manage pain or anxiety symptoms but does not employ a specific technique to actively engage the patient in controlling their own bodily functions as biofeedback does.