[Chronic lateral epicondylopathy : What do we know about tennis elbow?].

Pain associated with lateral epicondylopathy is often attributed to some form of mechanical overstrain. However, the possibility of spontaneous pain without a causal mechanical background is rarely part of our differential diagnostic considerations. The data do not exclusively support mechanical causality in lateral epicondylopathy. Neurovegetative factors play a crucial role in chronic myofascial disorders and segmental dysfunctions. These relationships must be taken into account. A unilateral focus on local findings fails to adequately address the consequences of central sensitization effects. Current therapeutic approaches need to place greater emphasis on addressing dysfunctions in myofascial chains and vertebrogenic blockages to prevent chronic courses of lateral epicondylopathy.