Is there scientific evidence for Dr. Sarno’s theories?

Few physicians have generated as much debate in the chronic pain world as Dr. John  Sarno.

Best known for his theory of Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS), Dr. Sarno proposed that many cases of chronic back pain and other persistent pain conditions weren’t primarily caused by structural abnormalities, but by psychological and emotional processes affecting the nervous system.

For some patients, his work has been life-changing. Others remain skeptical, particularly because Dr. Sarno’s ideas challenged conventional medical thinking about pain, imaging findings, and structural diagnosis.