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Chronic Pain and the Mindbody Connection
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:
- Unconscious fear and anger
- Physiological changes
- Physical symptoms
- Psychological and social factors add to the symptoms, creating a full-blown syndrome that practically rules your life.
- How to get better
- 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
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The great thing about Pilates exercises is that it will help you to relax, release some stress and tension of your body and your mind and it will also help you to stretch and relax some tense muscles that causes your pain, especially in the lower back area.
Joseph Pilates also called his Pilates Method, Contrology, because he believed that his method uses your mind to take control over your body.
With Pilates you will really be able to control your mind and body by relieving you from stress and tension.
ReplyI’ve had back trouble for the past 10+ years and the best thing I ever bought was an exercise cradle from Flexibak.
Glens last blog post..Yoga and Meditation – Avoid Lower Back Pain
ReplyThere is a very strong connection between pain and the way you fell emotionally. Emotional well being is depending on how well things are going, so such things as a loss of a job can cause emotional pain which then manifests into physical pain.
ReplySometimes people are unaware that they are already suffering from chronic pain. This may be due to stressed and overthinking of problems. Better see a doctor immediately if you feel any kind of pain in your body.
ReplyTwitter: ShannonPentony
said-
Due to changes in our life style more and more people are using the internet sitting front of the computer for very long hours without moving. This is one of the big reasons that causing back pain and chronic back pain too.
ReplyShannon @lower-back-pain-treatment´s last blog ..Sciatic Treatment, Remedies For Sciatica Pain Relief
Twitter: gcall166
said-
Thanks for this great information. Increasing awareness of the mind/body connection can only increase personal and Global stability and, let’s face it, we all need more of that. Less pain – physically, mentally and globally!
Replysimon @ pilates´s last blog ..Tips About How You Can Save Money On Your Medicine
Meditation can help a whole ton with back pain. I learned to meditate a few years ago, and ever since then my back pain hasn’t been as bad as it used to be. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyThe article is interesting and can be useful for all office workers who have a lot of stress nowadays. But usually the job takes all of your time and you don’t even consider visiting a doctor.
ReplyGood article, I have seen great improvement in managing my pain through meditation
ReplyI have a weird back problem which causes a bit of pain but mostly just general discomfort (the right side of my body is a little more muscularly developed than the left side for some reason). Going to the chiropractor for realignment does absolute wonders for my mood and quality of life. I almost can’t live without it at this point, so I agree there is a major mind-body connection with chronic pain.
ReplyI always find it amazing just how much the mind does actually affect the body. Positive thought and reinforcement always seems to improve overall health to a greater degree than one would initially think.
ReplyThe power of positive thought is truly something to be reckoned with.