How do you distinguish Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) from a structural injury?

One of the most confusing and emotionally exhausting aspects of chronic pain isn’t knowing what is actually causing it.

You may have been told your MRI shows a disc bulge, degeneration, or “wear and tear,” yet your symptoms fluctuate unpredictably. Some days you can move almost normally. Other days, simple tasks like sitting, bending, or walking feel threatening. The pain may spread, disappear temporarily, or intensify during periods of stress, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm.

This uncertainty often creates fear. You may wonder whether your body is genuinely damaged, whether movement is dangerous, or whether you’re missing something serious. Over time, the fear itself can become part of the pain experience.