John Sarno M.D.
This was an amazing book- I could write about it on and on…
What i found fascinating about this book was Sarno’s theory of Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) and body pain.
Tension Myositis Syndrome. TMS is a painful disorder that is characterized by having no structural abnormalities as the cause, but by specific common emotional disorders.
Studies suggest the cause of most back pain is emotional. The “years of responsibility” of adults between 30-60 years of age seem to have the highest occurrence of TMS.
In almost every incidence of TMS the patient will have tenderness when pressure is applied to 3 different parts of the body – the outer aspect of the buttocks, the muscles in the lumbar area and the shoulder. The consistent pattern supports the hypothesis that the pain syndrome originates in the brain rather than in some abnormality. (the author later states he believes these places of tenderness are the central zones of oxygen depravation.)
The nerves most commonly affected by TMS are the sciatic nerve, the lumbar paraspinal nerve, the cervical spinal nerves and the brachial plexus.
The most common pattern in TMS is for a person to have recurrent acute attacks. Although the pain may come and go, the fear of physical activity and fear of pain are ever present and have a profound effect on all aspects of life.
The “purpose” of the syndrome is to create a distraction so undesirable emotions can be avoided. Many people with TMS are conscientious types but not “type A” personalities. TMS personalities are more in touch with themselves; they are just avoiding emotional pain.
This follows along somewhat with Louise Hay and her theory of emotional and physical connections in illness and disease, but i found Sarno's scientific approach validating to the metaphysical theories.
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