Chronic Pain and the Mindbody Connection

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Mindbody medicine contends that chronic pain is not caused by any physical trauma such as a tear, inflammation, nerve damage, etc. but by unconscious emotional factors. Dr. John Sarno, author of The Divided Mind, has named this condition Tension Myositis Syndrome or TMS. Tension refers to the emotional tension that causes the syndrome; myositis refers to the involvement of the skeletal muscles; syndrome refers to the multitude of symptoms present. So how exactly does TMS work?

When we experience unpleasant emotions such as guilt, anger, or shame, it threatens our self-image as a good and likeable person. In self defense, the mind shoves these negative emotions into the unconscious as a self-protection mechanism. However, if the emotions are very strong, they are harder to keep repressed in the unconscious mind so your brain creates a distraction–-chronic pain.

Any doctor will tell you that stress aggravates any medical condition. It is easy to see how the stress of a bad grade or financial problem will make a medical condition worse. With TMS, even happy events will cause pain. For instance, a wedding or new job can bring on physiological illness.

Although TMS is triggered by emotional issues, TMS is not just limited to physiological problems such as back pain. It is believed that other conditions act as a distraction as well–

* Nerve dysfunction
* Sciatica
* Carpal tunnel syndrome
* Repetitive stress injury
* Bell’s palsy
* Fibromyalgia
* Myofascial pain syndrome
* Psychological disorders
* Depression
* Anxiety
* Panic attacks
* Obsessive-compulsive disorder

That’s just a partial list. Remember, the purpose of TMS is to divert attention away from the unacceptable emotions and to keep attention focused on the physical symptoms. This syndrome is very good at its job. The symptoms are distressing enough by themselves, but TMS literally adds insult to injury–x-rays, MRIs, and physical exams often show no abnormalities. Psychological and social factors add to the situation, leaving sufferers completely exasperated. Nevertheless, you’re certainly not thinking about those unacceptable emotions anymore.

The progression of TMS is summarized as follows:

1. Unconscious fear and anger
2. Physiological changes
3. Physical symptoms
4. Psychological and social factors add to the symptoms, creating a full-blown syndrome that practically rules your life.
5. How to get better
6. Further resources for you in your exploration of TMS

For pain that’s lasted only a few month’s, it’s appropriate to try conventional therapies such as massage, stretching, physical therapy, pilates, chiropractic, or yoga. But, if you have chronic pain, how do you know if it’s TMS?

TMS is a clinical diagnosis–-there is no standard test and you must be diagnosed by a doctor. Doctors will review your history, imaging, and do a physical exam before giving a diagnosis of TMS. Remember that if you are experiencing chronic pain due to TMS, you’re not crazy. The central nervous system sends pain signals through the body. Just because TMS is triggered by psychological and emotional reasons, does not mean the pain is not real.

Reference: The Divided Mind: The Epidemic of Mindbody Disorders