If you read through all the responses to the initial post - the common threads are two fold....
- The patients tried biofeedback/mediation/imagery during a flare up.
- The patients all said it is extremely difficult to concentrate and meditate while in pain.
The biggest reason biofeedback and meditation don't work is because it requires daily practice - like learning to play the piano - or learning a new skill -
The mind is bombarded every minute by noise - and to develop the practice of biofeedback/meditation - one has to set aside 5-10 minutes at least twice a day to begin with during which you tell yourself you will do your best at the exercises you were taught....
Do not try them during a flare up of pain - this is near to impossible for anyone but a buddhist monk - to control pain after it is off the charts....
If you discipline yourself - and do it regulary - like an exercise class scheduled at a certain time each day - do it no matter what - even if you can only hang on for 30 secs or 10 secs at first - keep trying...
I can tell you from my experience and many others - that the results will amaze you - and are worth your time and effort.
I have been doing meditation for about 2 years now and I still have many days that I can't do more than a few minutes or less - and I try again and again....
So even when you start to reap the benefits - you can fall back on any given day.
Do not give up - I believe this can change lives - and I never used to believe in meditation at all.....
K from WIS