The brain restricts blood flow to specific muscles and nerves, leading to a mild oxygen deprivation that causes intense muscle spasms and pain.
The 1991 New York Times bestseller by Dr. John E. Sarno introduced the revolutionary concept of Tension Myoneural Syndrome (TMS) . Dr. Sarno’s core thesis is that most chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain is psychosomatic—originating from repressed emotional tension , such as stress, anger, or anxiety, rather than structural abnormalities like herniated discs. The Core Philosophy: Tension Myoneural Syndrome (TMS)
Focused journaling specifically on past traumas or current stressors to provide an outlet for repressed feelings. Availability and Reviews Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection
While Dr. Sarno’s book is the foundational text, modern holistic approaches often integrate his principles with other wellness practices:
Daily practice helps reduce muscle tension and retrain the brain's response to pain signals. The brain restricts blood flow to specific muscles
Used to challenge negative thought patterns and reduce "catastrophic thinking" about back health.
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more Healing Back Pain The Mind Body Connection The Healing Process: Education Over Medication
Dr. Sarno observed that self-motivated, successful, and perfectionistic individuals are most prone to TMS due to the internal pressure they place on themselves. The Healing Process: Education Over Medication