“Mind Over Back Pain” by Dr. John Sarno

Tired of back pain? Dr. John Sarno’s book “Mind Over Back Pain” offers a new approach. Learn about Tension Myositis Syndrome and find relief without medication or surgery.

Are you suffering from back pain and feeling hopeless?

Dr. John Sarno’s book offers a gentle, yet effective approach to finding relief without the use of painkillers or surgery.

Based on his discovery that tension is the underlying cause of most back problems, Dr. Sarno explains that Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) is a condition often unrecognized by medical professionals.

This book is the first to explain the psychophysiology, manifestations, and treatment of Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS), providing you with clear steps, sensible advice, and simple illustrations to help you find relief, prevent future pain, and ultimately live life to the fullest again.

With this revolutionary approach, you can find new hope for a pain-free life.

“Mind Over Back Pain” by Dr. John Sarno - Book contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: Structural Abnormalities Rarely Cause Back Pain

Chapter 2: Conventional Treatment and Medical Mythology

Chapter 3: What Causes Back Pain? The Psychophysiology of TMS

Chapter 4: The Manifestations of TMS

Chapter 5: The Treatment of TMS

Coda

Notes

Glossary

“Mind Over Back Pain” by Dr. John Sarno - Book review

“Mind Over Back Pain: A Radically New Approach to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Back Pain”, written by Dr. John Sarno, is a revolutionary book that offers a new perspective on how to treat back pain.

This book provides a clear and concise explanation of how the mind and body are interconnected and how emotional factors can contribute to the onset of back pain.

In this book, Dr. Sarno explains that the majority of back pain is caused by psychological factors rather than structural abnormalities.

This book is divided into several chapters that explain the different aspects of back pain and how they are related to the mind and body.

Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS)

In the first chapter, Dr. Sarno introduces the concept of Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS), which is the term he uses to describe the psychological factors that contribute to back pain. He explains that Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) is a physical manifestation of repressed emotions and that pain is a way for the body to distract you from dealing with these emotions.

In the subsequent chapters, Dr. Sarno provides a detailed explanation of how Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) works and how it can be treated. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the psychological factors that contribute to TMS and how to address them in order to overcome the pain

Case studies and anecdotes

Dr. Sarno provides several case studies and anecdotes of patients who have successfully overcome their back pain by addressing the emotional issues that were causing it.

One anecdote that stands out is the story of a woman who had been experiencing back pain for over a year. She had gone through multiple medical tests and treatments, but nothing seemed to work. After reading Dr. Sarno’s book and implementing his techniques, she was able to eliminate her pain completely within a few weeks.

Dr. Sarno also shares the case of a man who had been experiencing back pain for over 20 years. He had tried every treatment imaginable, including surgery, but nothing seemed to help. After reading Dr. Sarno’s book, he realized that his pain was likely caused by repressed anger and frustration that he had been holding onto for years. By acknowledging and addressing these emotions, he was able to eliminate his pain completely.

Another anecdote from this book recounts the story of a woman who had battled chronic headaches for years and exhausted all medical treatments. After reading Dr. Sarno’s book and applying his methods, she realized her headaches were a result of stress and repressed emotions. By facing these core issues, the woman experienced relief from her headaches within several weeks.

Unexpected insights

One surprising insight is the idea that seeking physical treatments for chronic pain, such as surgery or physical therapy, may not actually address the underlying issue and could even exacerbate the problem

Dr. Sarno suggests that in many cases, the pain may actually worsen after such treatments because they fail to address the root cause of the pain, which is often psychological in nature.

Additionally, Dr. Sarno challenges the traditional view that certain physical abnormalities, such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis, are the cause of chronic back pain. He cites numerous cases where patients have these abnormalities but are asymptomatic, while others have no physical abnormalities but experience chronic pain.

Dr. Sarno also highlights the role of personality traits, particularly perfectionism and a desire for control, in chronic pain conditions. He maintains that these personality traits can lead to an increased sense of stress and anxiety, which can manifest as physical pain.

Key takeaways

One of the key takeaways from this book is that you need to change your mindset in order to overcome back pain.

Dr. Sarno emphasizes that it is important to stop thinking of yourself as a victim of back pain and instead take control of your own healing. He encourages you to adopt a positive attitude towards your pain and to believe that you can overcome it.

Another important aspect of this book is the emphasis on physical activity. Dr. Sarno explains that physical activity is crucial for overcoming back pain because it helps to release endorphins, which are natural painkillers.

Dr. Sarno stresses the importance of moderate exercise such as walking or yoga, rather than trying to attempt strenuous physical activity.

Clear writing style

The writing style of this book is clear and concise, making it easy to follow and understand.

Dr. Sarno uses everyday language to explain complex concepts, which makes this book accessible to readers of all backgrounds. He also provides practical advice on how to implement the strategies he suggests, which makes it easy to apply the concepts in your own life.

Overall, “Mind Over Back Pain” is an excellent book that provides a unique and thought-provoking perspective on how to treat back pain.

The emphasis on the mind-body connection and the importance of addressing emotional factors is a refreshing change from traditional treatments that focus solely on physical symptoms.

If you are struggling with chronic pain and have not found relief through traditional medical treatments, “Mind Over Back Pain” may provide a fresh perspective and offer new hope for healing.