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The Mind/Body Prescription
Dr. John Sarno caused quite a ruckus back in 1990 when he suggested that back pain is all in the head. In his bestselling book, Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection, he claimed that backaches, slipped discs, headaches, and other chronic pains are due to suppressed anger, and that once the cause of the anger is addressed, the pain will vanish. Relieved Amazon.com readers call this book "liberating" and say "it sounds too good to be true, but it is true." Sarno has returned with The Mindbody Prescription, in which he explains how emotions including guilt, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem can stimulate the brain to manufacture physical symptoms including fibromyalgia, repetitive strain injuries, migraine headaches, hay fever, colitis, ulcers, and even acne. If these psychosomatic problems all sound a little Freudian, what with the repression of emotions in the unconscious, it's because Sarno unapologetically borrows from Freud for the basis of his theory and cites childhood trauma as a major source of emotional problems. He also says that his program is a "talking cure" of sorts, since patients must be convinced their pain is rooted in their emotions before healing can begin.
The book reads a bit like psychology text, with Sarno quoting from psychoanalytic theorists including Heinz Kohut and Graeme Taylor and the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition). Sarno walks through the neurophysiology of mindbody disorders, lists the symptoms of dozens of disorders that he believes are emotion-based, and offers a basic program for overcoming psychosomatic pain and illness. His recovery plan includes meditation and sometimes psychotherapy, including behavior modification, and stopping any medication or physical therapy. While Sarno's ideas seem radical, they were commonly implemented earlier in the 20th century, when psychoanalysis was at its peak of popularity, and they promise to become more accepted in our current era of alternative medical therapies and anger management. --Erica Jorgensen
Unknown Binding
First published April 1, 1998
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About the author
John E. Sarno
30 books149 followersJohn E. Sarno, MD was Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine at the New York University School of Medicine. He graduated from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and was board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Sarno served in the U.S. Army Medical Department, 67th Field Hospital-European Theater from 1943 to 1946. He practiced as a family physician for ten years preceding his specialization in rehabilitation medicine. In the early 1950s he initiated the establishment of the Mid-Huson Medical Group in Fishkill, New York. He served as Director of Outpatient Services and Attending Physician at the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, New York University Medical Center for several decades.
Fun fact: His book Healing Back Pain is recommended by Paul Lieberstein, actor and writer of "The Office," a popular television comedy.
Fun fact: His book Healing Back Pain is recommended by Paul Lieberstein, actor and writer of "The Office," a popular television comedy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews
July 27, 2012
Let me preface this review with the fact that the rating doesn't apply to Sarno's theory--that many physical ailments have mental causes--but rather to the book itself--to its execution. I feel like I could have gotten everything I needed from this book in the first chapter alone; the rest fel like overwrought redundancy, Sarno laundry-listing all of the ailments that are maybe/possibly/definitely rooted in mental causes.
I should preface this doubly with the suggestion that this may, in fact, but a really useful book for folks suffering from chronic back pain.
But here's the rub:
The invocation of psychoanalytical theory is either too much or too little. It's there for a good reason--to help assuage the doubts of more analytical readers, giving a scientific basis to psychological side of the book. For my taste, it didn't delve far enough--it just let me with a lot more questions.
Sarno, via a handful of noted psychologists, suggests that the root of psychosomatic ailments is in unconscious "rage". But this rage, to use a Kantian term, is noumenal; we have no way of accessing or addressing it directly. We experience it phenomenally, but often not as actual expressed anger. We may not "experience" it at all, experience being a conscious faculty. This rage may manifest itself as any number of physical maladies however. Sarno suggests this is because--particularly in Western society--we (a) are more likely to store this type of rage, and (b) have no/fewer means of coping with/mitigating this rage. The problem, then, is that this rage must manifest itself somehow.
First off, why?
Secondly, Sarno seems to think that this subconscious rage wants to express itself as actual rage, or perhaps tears of frustration, which are not socially acceptable affect displays in Western society. Thus, we must sublimate the rage. But wait. I thought this wasn't conscious rage. Wouldn't we be sublimating conscious rage in that case?
I think perhaps what Sarno means is that stress is really damn hard on our bodies. Lots of things cause stress and we store that stress. And we probably lack good ways of releasing that stress. Sometimes this manifests as pain.
Acknowledging the pain's origin as mental probably gives us a feeling of control--or alleviates feelings of helplessness. This helps reduce the stress at the core of the pain. (There are often feedback loops involved in this process; a person experience a twinge of pain, which causes fear/stress about the pain, which induces more pain, more stress, and so on. Injecting a sense of control into this process effectively eliminates the feedback loop.)
See. Was that so hard? Sarno either needs to offer way less analysis, or way more.
This doesn't work against his larger thrust, though, that unalleviated stress can instigate actual physical problems. I don't think too many readers would find that conclusion startling.
And his solution, for the most part, is also somewhat unsurprising:
1) Admit the problem is solely mental.
2) Begin psychotherapy.
It should be noted, very early on, that this only applies to maladies with no discernible physical cause.
He then goes on to debunk a large collection of alleged physical causes (largely looking at various spinal and nerve abnormalities). The section on back and leg issues is pretty illuminating--probably the single most useful section on the book. Not surprising, given that this is his area of specialty. In most other sections, though, he over-reaches. He would have us believe that just about every physical ailment humans suffer from his psychological in origin.
While I'm totally on board with his distrust of contemporary medicine's pervasive medicate/operate mentality, which focuses solely on "cure" and not at all on "cause" or "prevention".
But let's be clear, other factors, like diet and exercise are extremely important.
And sometimes there really are physical causes to physical problems. This fact may be dangerously underrepresented in this book.
I should preface this doubly with the suggestion that this may, in fact, but a really useful book for folks suffering from chronic back pain.
But here's the rub:
The invocation of psychoanalytical theory is either too much or too little. It's there for a good reason--to help assuage the doubts of more analytical readers, giving a scientific basis to psychological side of the book. For my taste, it didn't delve far enough--it just let me with a lot more questions.
Sarno, via a handful of noted psychologists, suggests that the root of psychosomatic ailments is in unconscious "rage". But this rage, to use a Kantian term, is noumenal; we have no way of accessing or addressing it directly. We experience it phenomenally, but often not as actual expressed anger. We may not "experience" it at all, experience being a conscious faculty. This rage may manifest itself as any number of physical maladies however. Sarno suggests this is because--particularly in Western society--we (a) are more likely to store this type of rage, and (b) have no/fewer means of coping with/mitigating this rage. The problem, then, is that this rage must manifest itself somehow.
First off, why?
Secondly, Sarno seems to think that this subconscious rage wants to express itself as actual rage, or perhaps tears of frustration, which are not socially acceptable affect displays in Western society. Thus, we must sublimate the rage. But wait. I thought this wasn't conscious rage. Wouldn't we be sublimating conscious rage in that case?
I think perhaps what Sarno means is that stress is really damn hard on our bodies. Lots of things cause stress and we store that stress. And we probably lack good ways of releasing that stress. Sometimes this manifests as pain.
Acknowledging the pain's origin as mental probably gives us a feeling of control--or alleviates feelings of helplessness. This helps reduce the stress at the core of the pain. (There are often feedback loops involved in this process; a person experience a twinge of pain, which causes fear/stress about the pain, which induces more pain, more stress, and so on. Injecting a sense of control into this process effectively eliminates the feedback loop.)
See. Was that so hard? Sarno either needs to offer way less analysis, or way more.
This doesn't work against his larger thrust, though, that unalleviated stress can instigate actual physical problems. I don't think too many readers would find that conclusion startling.
And his solution, for the most part, is also somewhat unsurprising:
1) Admit the problem is solely mental.
2) Begin psychotherapy.
It should be noted, very early on, that this only applies to maladies with no discernible physical cause.
He then goes on to debunk a large collection of alleged physical causes (largely looking at various spinal and nerve abnormalities). The section on back and leg issues is pretty illuminating--probably the single most useful section on the book. Not surprising, given that this is his area of specialty. In most other sections, though, he over-reaches. He would have us believe that just about every physical ailment humans suffer from his psychological in origin.
While I'm totally on board with his distrust of contemporary medicine's pervasive medicate/operate mentality, which focuses solely on "cure" and not at all on "cause" or "prevention".
But let's be clear, other factors, like diet and exercise are extremely important.
And sometimes there really are physical causes to physical problems. This fact may be dangerously underrepresented in this book.
March 23, 2016
Truly an amazing, life-altering read!! Within 24 hours of reading this book my leg pain disappeared! Dr. Sarno believes that back and leg pain can be due to repressed emotions that turn to an interior rage that then become masked as pain. Confronting the mind with this awareness can break the cycle, or so he explains in his brilliant book!
Read
January 22, 2015I'm reluctant to rate this book. It sounds very convincing and both the symptoms and history of my RSI issues fit the narrative perfectly, but I feel I should give it a fair shot before having an opinion.
It's basically a very simple idea. A lot of chronic pain problems, (usually related with the back and the upper body) are caused by stress-induced tension, as opposed to serious structural anomalies/deviations/problems. Thus, treatment should be focus on psychological issues and not on physical ones. There are lot of details to go into, but it boils down to "An unhealthy mind can make the body sick and you should treat the cause and not the symptom".
At first the ideas sounded a bit out there, but as I read on I become more and more convinced. The author is an actual medical doctor, he doesn't use wishful thinking and he keeps his exposition pretty reasonable and fairly scientific. He's very careful to make the point that (1) there is no magic to all this and (2) not all chronic problems are TMS. His claims seem to be backed up by a sizable online community that shares very similar stories.
I am convinced to try his approach and see how it affects my condition. I might revisit this review once I've done that.
It's basically a very simple idea. A lot of chronic pain problems, (usually related with the back and the upper body) are caused by stress-induced tension, as opposed to serious structural anomalies/deviations/problems. Thus, treatment should be focus on psychological issues and not on physical ones. There are lot of details to go into, but it boils down to "An unhealthy mind can make the body sick and you should treat the cause and not the symptom".
At first the ideas sounded a bit out there, but as I read on I become more and more convinced. The author is an actual medical doctor, he doesn't use wishful thinking and he keeps his exposition pretty reasonable and fairly scientific. He's very careful to make the point that (1) there is no magic to all this and (2) not all chronic problems are TMS. His claims seem to be backed up by a sizable online community that shares very similar stories.
I am convinced to try his approach and see how it affects my condition. I might revisit this review once I've done that.
January 2, 2015
I have the audio book. I listened to it all once through and started getting immediate relief to 10 years worth of RSI in my wrists. The pain then moved to my upper back as the book said to expect. Then to my lower back. After a month the pain finally went away. It sprang up again number times over the next couple of years. Every time it did I would listen to chapter 9 on my train ride commutes.
Also, I have herniated my L5-S1 disc twice. It is ruptured. My neurosurgeon is amazed from my MRIs that I function pain free. I have permanent nerve damage to the point where I have no feeling in the posterior of my left leg and foot, but I have no back pain anymore.
People might think I'm crazy, but this book completely changed my life for the better. I have recommended it to so many people.
Also, I have herniated my L5-S1 disc twice. It is ruptured. My neurosurgeon is amazed from my MRIs that I function pain free. I have permanent nerve damage to the point where I have no feeling in the posterior of my left leg and foot, but I have no back pain anymore.
People might think I'm crazy, but this book completely changed my life for the better. I have recommended it to so many people.
July 30, 2014
TMS: Tension Myositis Syndrome is relatively new term that few doctors are aware of, or want to be aware of. Thankfully Dr. John E. Sarno has brought this fascinating, frustrating mysterious condition to light. Dr. Sarno's 1998 book "The Mindbody Prescription: Healing the Body, Healing the Pain" functions in a very special manner, in that educates and heals at the very same time. It's value goes beyond traditional study of what makes a book good or bad, in that it is the equivalent of medicine via paper.
Dr. Sarno's theory, which has been proven as fact after years of practice and analysis, is that a fair majority of our traditional physical ailments are the result of a function of the brain, Each individual has both a conscious and unconscious mind. The conscious mind helps us observe, think, remember, see, feel, hear, touch and rationalize. The unconscious mind, however, is purely narcissistic, and completely irrational. What happens with TMS is that the trials and tribulations of life since childhood creates rage, stress, and extreme emotion in the unconscious, whether we realize it or not. Everyone has it due to the complexity of the psyche verses the selfish, irrational self hidden in the unconscious. It is this unconscious rage that triggers the brain to protect you from letting it all out. As a defense mechanism, the brain sends a signal to deprive oxygen from a certain part of the body, reducing the blood flow and this creating pain in affected area. The pain is real, yet it also serves its function as a distraction from the unconscious rage. That is the whole point of pain: to get your mind focused on your body instead of what's really happening inside your mind. In essence, pain is a trick of the brain.
Common TMS maladies include back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive use injury, leg and shoulder issues, foot problems, ulcers, headaches, stomach-gastrointestinal problems, arthritis, and even auto-immune issues, and possibly cancer. Dr. Sarno is quick point out what TMS is, and what it is not, and that a self-diagnsosis of TMS (in general) should only be done after first consulting with a traditional doctor to make sure nothing is life-theaating. That said, traditional medicine too often misdiagnosis an issue without first examining the cause.
Dr . Sarno raises a fascinating, too-overlooked point: we, as humans, have not survived all of these thousands of years on Earth because we are weaklings. If our bodies were as fragile as current fashionable medicine proclaims, humanity would have died out years ago. Carpal tunnel syndrome, for example, was not identified as a problem until the last 20-30 years, and it is the current awareness of it that inadvertently creates the problem in the first place.
Reading "The Mindbody Prescription: Healing the Body, Healing the Pain," Dr. Sarno lectures on the same subject over and over again, in a variety of examples, covering the technical biological conditions and TMS symptoms in just about every part of the body, however the point is always the same: TMS is a practice of distracting your from unconscious rage, and that education and awareness can work wonders in healing and providing a permanent cure. However, as Dr. Sarno deftly points out, it takes some time and work to make the healing-cure happen, and each person has a different depth of unconscious rage to contend with. Some are cured just by reading the book, or attending a TMS lecture or two, others should get help with their unconscious rage through a psychiatrist or psychotherapist. No matter what the case, it all comes down to an individual learning about TMS, and buying into it one hundred percent.
"The Mindbody Prescription: Healing the Body, Healing the Pain" is not for pleasure-reading, nor is it meant to enthrall the reader with wonder. Instead, Dr. Sarno's book exists as an important tool for many of those who suffer chronic pain, and offers a solution that will change the way you look at both your body and your mind.
Dr. Sarno's theory, which has been proven as fact after years of practice and analysis, is that a fair majority of our traditional physical ailments are the result of a function of the brain, Each individual has both a conscious and unconscious mind. The conscious mind helps us observe, think, remember, see, feel, hear, touch and rationalize. The unconscious mind, however, is purely narcissistic, and completely irrational. What happens with TMS is that the trials and tribulations of life since childhood creates rage, stress, and extreme emotion in the unconscious, whether we realize it or not. Everyone has it due to the complexity of the psyche verses the selfish, irrational self hidden in the unconscious. It is this unconscious rage that triggers the brain to protect you from letting it all out. As a defense mechanism, the brain sends a signal to deprive oxygen from a certain part of the body, reducing the blood flow and this creating pain in affected area. The pain is real, yet it also serves its function as a distraction from the unconscious rage. That is the whole point of pain: to get your mind focused on your body instead of what's really happening inside your mind. In essence, pain is a trick of the brain.
Common TMS maladies include back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive use injury, leg and shoulder issues, foot problems, ulcers, headaches, stomach-gastrointestinal problems, arthritis, and even auto-immune issues, and possibly cancer. Dr. Sarno is quick point out what TMS is, and what it is not, and that a self-diagnsosis of TMS (in general) should only be done after first consulting with a traditional doctor to make sure nothing is life-theaating. That said, traditional medicine too often misdiagnosis an issue without first examining the cause.
Dr . Sarno raises a fascinating, too-overlooked point: we, as humans, have not survived all of these thousands of years on Earth because we are weaklings. If our bodies were as fragile as current fashionable medicine proclaims, humanity would have died out years ago. Carpal tunnel syndrome, for example, was not identified as a problem until the last 20-30 years, and it is the current awareness of it that inadvertently creates the problem in the first place.
Reading "The Mindbody Prescription: Healing the Body, Healing the Pain," Dr. Sarno lectures on the same subject over and over again, in a variety of examples, covering the technical biological conditions and TMS symptoms in just about every part of the body, however the point is always the same: TMS is a practice of distracting your from unconscious rage, and that education and awareness can work wonders in healing and providing a permanent cure. However, as Dr. Sarno deftly points out, it takes some time and work to make the healing-cure happen, and each person has a different depth of unconscious rage to contend with. Some are cured just by reading the book, or attending a TMS lecture or two, others should get help with their unconscious rage through a psychiatrist or psychotherapist. No matter what the case, it all comes down to an individual learning about TMS, and buying into it one hundred percent.
"The Mindbody Prescription: Healing the Body, Healing the Pain" is not for pleasure-reading, nor is it meant to enthrall the reader with wonder. Instead, Dr. Sarno's book exists as an important tool for many of those who suffer chronic pain, and offers a solution that will change the way you look at both your body and your mind.
January 4, 2012
A life changing read! This book truly connects the dots between the mind and the body. It shines a spotlight on the impact emotional stress can have on the physical body. I suffered from back pain for many years prior to reading this book. That pain is now gone and when I feel it starting to return, I now know it is a sign that I need to deal with emotional stress. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who suffers from chronic pain.
March 29, 2013
amazing book for dealing with physical pain. Could not walk on my leg, had all tests done, was babying it. Book suggested to address it as caused by hidden rage - I did - leg's all better. WOW.
If you have migraines, aches and pains, shooting pain in arms, hands related to use of computers (carpel tunnel)...READ it....IF you are willing to accept the idea that - if tests have been done and there is no physical cause of the pain to be found - that the pain is cased by your brain.
If you have migraines, aches and pains, shooting pain in arms, hands related to use of computers (carpel tunnel)...READ it....IF you are willing to accept the idea that - if tests have been done and there is no physical cause of the pain to be found - that the pain is cased by your brain.
July 29, 2015
Theory of Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS)
The unconscious mind may avoid dealing with painful emotions of rage, sadness, shame, etc. through causing a pain syndrome in the body, thereby distracting the conscious mind’s attention to the physical pain rather than the emotional pain. The mind achieves this through constricting blood vessels and causing local anoxia/ischemia. The areas most typically effected are the postural muscles, tendons and nerves (e.g. back pain, neck pain, sciatica); but reduced blood flow may potentially impact many other areas also. The unconscious mind will often choose to create the pain where there has been a physical alteration from aging or previous physical injuries.
Amongst other things, John Sarno says unconscious pain often develops from low self-esteem: Deeply repressed feelings of inadequacy and self doubt lead to perfectionism, and goodism. Perfectionism and goodism lead to excessive self-imposed pressure which generates internal conflict and thereby rage.
Perfectionists unconsciously set up standards for themselves they cannot possibly meet; their inevitable failure to live up to them results in unconscious shame and rage.
Goodism (co-dependency) is the need to be excessively good. Driven to be helpful, to ingratiate, to want everyone to like them. Rage is generated when the individual excessively sacrifices what is good for them in the interest of others; when there is not enough appreciation from others for what they have given.
John Sarno’s Protocol for the Treatment of Tension Myositis Syndrome
1. Repudiate the structural diagnosis (e.g. the idea that your back pain is “caused by spinal stenosis” or “a herniated disk”). There may be a simultaneous physical phenomenon but if you have Tension Myositis Syndrome, then the pain is not caused by it.
2. Acknowledge the psychological basis of the pain.
3. Accept that it is ok that your psychology and beliefs are the way they are.
4. When you feel the physical pain, ask yourself what you are feeling emotionally. Get in touch with your rage, grief, shame, etc..
5. Write a list of all the pressures in your life. Acknowledge these and take action to reduce them.
6. Set aside a daily session of reflection or meditation.
7. Engage in psychotherapy.
8. Re-engage in full physical activity (that you may have limited because of your pain syndrome).
The unconscious mind may avoid dealing with painful emotions of rage, sadness, shame, etc. through causing a pain syndrome in the body, thereby distracting the conscious mind’s attention to the physical pain rather than the emotional pain. The mind achieves this through constricting blood vessels and causing local anoxia/ischemia. The areas most typically effected are the postural muscles, tendons and nerves (e.g. back pain, neck pain, sciatica); but reduced blood flow may potentially impact many other areas also. The unconscious mind will often choose to create the pain where there has been a physical alteration from aging or previous physical injuries.
Amongst other things, John Sarno says unconscious pain often develops from low self-esteem: Deeply repressed feelings of inadequacy and self doubt lead to perfectionism, and goodism. Perfectionism and goodism lead to excessive self-imposed pressure which generates internal conflict and thereby rage.
Perfectionists unconsciously set up standards for themselves they cannot possibly meet; their inevitable failure to live up to them results in unconscious shame and rage.
Goodism (co-dependency) is the need to be excessively good. Driven to be helpful, to ingratiate, to want everyone to like them. Rage is generated when the individual excessively sacrifices what is good for them in the interest of others; when there is not enough appreciation from others for what they have given.
John Sarno’s Protocol for the Treatment of Tension Myositis Syndrome
1. Repudiate the structural diagnosis (e.g. the idea that your back pain is “caused by spinal stenosis” or “a herniated disk”). There may be a simultaneous physical phenomenon but if you have Tension Myositis Syndrome, then the pain is not caused by it.
2. Acknowledge the psychological basis of the pain.
3. Accept that it is ok that your psychology and beliefs are the way they are.
4. When you feel the physical pain, ask yourself what you are feeling emotionally. Get in touch with your rage, grief, shame, etc..
5. Write a list of all the pressures in your life. Acknowledge these and take action to reduce them.
6. Set aside a daily session of reflection or meditation.
7. Engage in psychotherapy.
8. Re-engage in full physical activity (that you may have limited because of your pain syndrome).
January 17, 2021
Y'all I know this book's premise seems so goddamn incredulous. It's form is tedious and kinda sloppy, and Sarno occasionally jumps to certain conclusions that are somewhat dubious... but this book saved my hand, and possibly my life.
In my junior year of college (2018, around the same time that I had begun transitioning) my hand's health was progressively getting worse. I was diagnosed with tendonitis, carpal tunnel, RSI, golfer's elbow, you name it. My shoulder was also always uncomfortably stiff, the pain radiating from my left index finger all the way up into my neck.
I am a jazz musician (keys and bone) and an avid smash bros player so these symptoms made "logical sense" to me, and I 100% believed that the combination of the aforementioned (plus coding, eugh) was slowly and permanently damaging the structure of my hand. So many days I could not even pick up a pencil/plastic fork, let alone play my beloved instruments. Oftentimes, I could not even sleep at night as the pain made it so it was almost impossible to sleep comfortably. I found myself entering a deep depression, the future so uncertain as I spent sleepless nights wondering if I'd ever be able to function again, let alone pursue my dream.
Let it be known that I am generally quite the skeptic and believe in a scientific evidence-based process. I had tried exercises, stretches, nerve glides, extended rest, ibuprofen, cold/hot compresses, massaging, literally everything that the doctors and physical therapists recommended. Yet it just kept on getting worse and worse. I was at the end of my rope and had officially (with a heavy heart) made a fb post telling everyone that I was never to pick up a controller again, forced into an early retirement as I desperately tried to mitigate symptoms so I could still make music.
Someone in the comments recommended this book, citing gaming legends Silentwolf (melee) and Simply (mario 64) that had used this method to heal their tendonitis and continue their craft. If I was not so desperate, I would have dismissed it. But after watching their videos on their healing process, I was intrigued, and copped the book.
I read the book within 3 days during summer of 2020. Pretty much all the book really says is that subconscious rage (but imo also unresolved trauma, and a broader spectrum of negative emotion) manifests itself in your body (by depriving certain areas of blood flow) as a physical distraction from the psychological turmoil you are experiencing. It does so connivingly, typically affecting places that would make the most sense (knees for athletes, lower back for office workers, hands for musicians etc). And somehow it works. When the chronic pain gets you, it controls your thoughts and your life and doesn't let go. Sarno's recommendation to counter this is a prescription of belief, as well as self-reflection in the forms of investigative journaling as well as meditation.
As I mulled over this information, the conclusion that I eventually came to (noticing when my hand was acting up the most helped with diagnosing this) was that I had an incredible anger inside of me - I felt shunned and discarded by society (and my father) after coming out as trans. I also felt like I had been forced to live for my father and had wasted so many years that I could never get back. I desperately wanted to prove the entire world wrong and envied/criticized those that I deemed more attractive/successful than I. And when I came short (as I often do), I was ruthlessly critical. There is a lot more here that I could get into, but the point is that at a certain subconscious level I was fucking angry as hell and wanted to exact my vengeance (still true, but I'm more aware of it lol).
That being said, I would caution those to avoid going down the rabbit hole of trying to turn over every little rock of the past. After enough contemplation, accepting that the pain is psychosomatically caused is usually enough for it to recede.
On the day I finished the book, I found that a good portion of my subconscious rage had surfaced, and for the first time since middle school I actually wanted to fight someone, lmao. That boiling anger lasted for a few days before receding. Not even a week later, the pain had basically vanished. A few weeks later I went to a neurologist who told me my nerves were incredibly healthy and that what I had been experiencing was a software issue, not a hardware one.
Since then, the pain has dramatically reduced, at times nonexistent (I can play keys for days and smash for hours). It only really comes back every now and then when I'm feeling incredibly stressed for a sustained amount of time. And when it does, I give it a slap and tell it that the pain is being psychologically induced. And it's been working, I shit you not.
Having my hand back in this capacity is not something that I ever considered possible. As I navigate through life, knowing that I was able to overcome this has been one of my greatest sources of strength. I wish I could say that I'd never take my hand for granted after this, but I kinda already do again, haha. On the bright side, I'm definitely more ambidextrous because of it. I wish y'all the best, you got this!
Also, check out "The Body Keeps the Score" for a more comprehensive deep-dive into how trauma affects the body.
In my junior year of college (2018, around the same time that I had begun transitioning) my hand's health was progressively getting worse. I was diagnosed with tendonitis, carpal tunnel, RSI, golfer's elbow, you name it. My shoulder was also always uncomfortably stiff, the pain radiating from my left index finger all the way up into my neck.
I am a jazz musician (keys and bone) and an avid smash bros player so these symptoms made "logical sense" to me, and I 100% believed that the combination of the aforementioned (plus coding, eugh) was slowly and permanently damaging the structure of my hand. So many days I could not even pick up a pencil/plastic fork, let alone play my beloved instruments. Oftentimes, I could not even sleep at night as the pain made it so it was almost impossible to sleep comfortably. I found myself entering a deep depression, the future so uncertain as I spent sleepless nights wondering if I'd ever be able to function again, let alone pursue my dream.
Let it be known that I am generally quite the skeptic and believe in a scientific evidence-based process. I had tried exercises, stretches, nerve glides, extended rest, ibuprofen, cold/hot compresses, massaging, literally everything that the doctors and physical therapists recommended. Yet it just kept on getting worse and worse. I was at the end of my rope and had officially (with a heavy heart) made a fb post telling everyone that I was never to pick up a controller again, forced into an early retirement as I desperately tried to mitigate symptoms so I could still make music.
Someone in the comments recommended this book, citing gaming legends Silentwolf (melee) and Simply (mario 64) that had used this method to heal their tendonitis and continue their craft. If I was not so desperate, I would have dismissed it. But after watching their videos on their healing process, I was intrigued, and copped the book.
I read the book within 3 days during summer of 2020. Pretty much all the book really says is that subconscious rage (but imo also unresolved trauma, and a broader spectrum of negative emotion) manifests itself in your body (by depriving certain areas of blood flow) as a physical distraction from the psychological turmoil you are experiencing. It does so connivingly, typically affecting places that would make the most sense (knees for athletes, lower back for office workers, hands for musicians etc). And somehow it works. When the chronic pain gets you, it controls your thoughts and your life and doesn't let go. Sarno's recommendation to counter this is a prescription of belief, as well as self-reflection in the forms of investigative journaling as well as meditation.
As I mulled over this information, the conclusion that I eventually came to (noticing when my hand was acting up the most helped with diagnosing this) was that I had an incredible anger inside of me - I felt shunned and discarded by society (and my father) after coming out as trans. I also felt like I had been forced to live for my father and had wasted so many years that I could never get back. I desperately wanted to prove the entire world wrong and envied/criticized those that I deemed more attractive/successful than I. And when I came short (as I often do), I was ruthlessly critical. There is a lot more here that I could get into, but the point is that at a certain subconscious level I was fucking angry as hell and wanted to exact my vengeance (still true, but I'm more aware of it lol).
That being said, I would caution those to avoid going down the rabbit hole of trying to turn over every little rock of the past. After enough contemplation, accepting that the pain is psychosomatically caused is usually enough for it to recede.
On the day I finished the book, I found that a good portion of my subconscious rage had surfaced, and for the first time since middle school I actually wanted to fight someone, lmao. That boiling anger lasted for a few days before receding. Not even a week later, the pain had basically vanished. A few weeks later I went to a neurologist who told me my nerves were incredibly healthy and that what I had been experiencing was a software issue, not a hardware one.
Since then, the pain has dramatically reduced, at times nonexistent (I can play keys for days and smash for hours). It only really comes back every now and then when I'm feeling incredibly stressed for a sustained amount of time. And when it does, I give it a slap and tell it that the pain is being psychologically induced. And it's been working, I shit you not.
Having my hand back in this capacity is not something that I ever considered possible. As I navigate through life, knowing that I was able to overcome this has been one of my greatest sources of strength. I wish I could say that I'd never take my hand for granted after this, but I kinda already do again, haha. On the bright side, I'm definitely more ambidextrous because of it. I wish y'all the best, you got this!
Also, check out "The Body Keeps the Score" for a more comprehensive deep-dive into how trauma affects the body.
November 13, 2024
pues es libro es muy claro, la teoría muy simple: los dolores físicos son creados por la mente inconsciente y esos sentimientos de furia, miedo, vergüenza, enojo, que tenemos reprimidos.
cuesta trabajo creer que exista gente que se cure con sólo leerlo, soy un poco escéptica, yo no me curé (aún)
lo que más me gusta es la parte en la que va en contra de la medicina convencional, las cirugías que no hacen falta y sobre todo, la normalidad del envejecimiento, que no siempre significa deterioro digno de someterse a tanta medicina e invasiones dramáticas
las emociones inducen síntomas físicos, esa teoría siempre la he apoyado, así que:
haré mi lista de emociones reprimidas, meditaré sobre mi dolor, venceré al inconsciente y me recuperaré!
entonces, lo recomendaré y le daré más de cinco estrellas
cuesta trabajo creer que exista gente que se cure con sólo leerlo, soy un poco escéptica, yo no me curé (aún)
lo que más me gusta es la parte en la que va en contra de la medicina convencional, las cirugías que no hacen falta y sobre todo, la normalidad del envejecimiento, que no siempre significa deterioro digno de someterse a tanta medicina e invasiones dramáticas
las emociones inducen síntomas físicos, esa teoría siempre la he apoyado, así que:
haré mi lista de emociones reprimidas, meditaré sobre mi dolor, venceré al inconsciente y me recuperaré!
entonces, lo recomendaré y le daré más de cinco estrellas
February 12, 2016
This book provides many nice examples of logical fallacies.
February 16, 2017
The message that he is trying to give is that your brain is causing pain in your body due to repressed emotions and your pain will go away by understanding this. For this information, I offer 5 stars. The delivery of the information could be better though. It's not a very captivating read but if you're suffering from any kind of chronic pain, the readability of the book is certainly the least of your concerns.
If you have any kind of pain such as back pain, neck pain, knee pain or migraines (or almost any pain) you must read this book! You'll be happy to know that he is not saying that the pain is imaginary or that you're faking it. The pain is absolutely real. It creates pain the same way your brain can give you a stomach ache when you're anxious.
I totally believe in the power of the brain. I know of people who have had pain disappear from reading this book. Years ago I had stomach problems which on hindsight I am certain were brain induced. I've also experienced vertigo but I was suspicious that my brain was experimenting with attempts at distracting me and it quickly disappeared. Even before reading this book, I had heard about Dr. Sarno and his books so I was fortunate to know this and it probably saved me from other unnecessary pain.
A lot of the book is an explanation of all of the ways the body can be effected by your brain. On the one hand, I found this rather boring and disappointing that this was such a big portion of the book. On the other hand, I realize that this is exactly what we need to know. If I ever experience symptoms in any of these areas I will be able to nip it in the bud. If he didn't cover all of these ailments, my brain would be able to find a new way to distract me without making me suspicious. In fact, before reading this book I thought I was developing arthritis. I had pain in my hands and I didn't know that this was one of the places that the brain creates pain. Now that I know, the pain is gone.
In general I am a big skeptic about most things but in this case it all rings true for me. I don't have a problem with the lack of science to prove his theory. To me, the fact that it works for so many people is proof enough. I appreciate that he acknowledges that there are parts of the brain that no one understands. Just because we don't know exactly how it happens doesn't mean the solution doesn't work.
The only other thing that I wish he addressed is what the brain does with the repressed emotions once you have successfully stopped it from creating pain. Personally, I do transcendental meditation twice a day which I believe serves as a release but I wonder what others do.
If you have any kind of pain such as back pain, neck pain, knee pain or migraines (or almost any pain) you must read this book! You'll be happy to know that he is not saying that the pain is imaginary or that you're faking it. The pain is absolutely real. It creates pain the same way your brain can give you a stomach ache when you're anxious.
I totally believe in the power of the brain. I know of people who have had pain disappear from reading this book. Years ago I had stomach problems which on hindsight I am certain were brain induced. I've also experienced vertigo but I was suspicious that my brain was experimenting with attempts at distracting me and it quickly disappeared. Even before reading this book, I had heard about Dr. Sarno and his books so I was fortunate to know this and it probably saved me from other unnecessary pain.
A lot of the book is an explanation of all of the ways the body can be effected by your brain. On the one hand, I found this rather boring and disappointing that this was such a big portion of the book. On the other hand, I realize that this is exactly what we need to know. If I ever experience symptoms in any of these areas I will be able to nip it in the bud. If he didn't cover all of these ailments, my brain would be able to find a new way to distract me without making me suspicious. In fact, before reading this book I thought I was developing arthritis. I had pain in my hands and I didn't know that this was one of the places that the brain creates pain. Now that I know, the pain is gone.
In general I am a big skeptic about most things but in this case it all rings true for me. I don't have a problem with the lack of science to prove his theory. To me, the fact that it works for so many people is proof enough. I appreciate that he acknowledges that there are parts of the brain that no one understands. Just because we don't know exactly how it happens doesn't mean the solution doesn't work.
The only other thing that I wish he addressed is what the brain does with the repressed emotions once you have successfully stopped it from creating pain. Personally, I do transcendental meditation twice a day which I believe serves as a release but I wonder what others do.
January 28, 2020
Although great strides have been made in neuroscience and mindbody understanding since this was written, I still think this stands as the pioneering work it was and still is.
January 16, 2023
sounds kind of hokey when i explain it, but this book did for me what an epidural in the neck could not and actually solved 2 years of full body chronic pain
June 11, 2024
This book has changed my life. If you have any kind of long-term pain, please give it a try.
I had been disabled for more than a decade, due to severe pain in my arms, wrists, and hands. I could not use a computer mouse at all. Using a keyboard caused me pain. Using a pen caused me pain. Holding my phone or a book caused me pain. Sometimes, even holding a fork or a spoon caused me pain. Driving caused me pain. I had some level of pain nearly 24 hours a day, even lying still. I developed lots of workarounds, including voice control and eye tracking to use a computer. I had to give up many hobbies and activities, and couldn't pursue other interests as fully as I wanted.
Then, 5 months ago, I read this book, and saw myself written about throughout it. I read more books by Dr Sarno, along with They Can't Find Anything Wrong by Dr Clarke. I did the Mindbody Workbook by Dr Schechter. I subscribed to the Curable app, and worked through the mental exercises and writing exercises in that (still ongoing). I started meditating and journalling. I got counselling.
I am typing this on a keyboard. I am using a mouse, and I will do so for hours more today. I can write, pain-free, with a pen. I have no pain when driving. There is no pain at night. I have taken up videogame development, something I've wanted to do for years. 99% of my pain is gone, and it continues to fade. Most days, I don't even remember that I used to be disabled. When I do remember, I'm astounded at the rapid change that has improved my life so much, and that the change came about through mainly reading and thinking.
I had been disabled for more than a decade, due to severe pain in my arms, wrists, and hands. I could not use a computer mouse at all. Using a keyboard caused me pain. Using a pen caused me pain. Holding my phone or a book caused me pain. Sometimes, even holding a fork or a spoon caused me pain. Driving caused me pain. I had some level of pain nearly 24 hours a day, even lying still. I developed lots of workarounds, including voice control and eye tracking to use a computer. I had to give up many hobbies and activities, and couldn't pursue other interests as fully as I wanted.
Then, 5 months ago, I read this book, and saw myself written about throughout it. I read more books by Dr Sarno, along with They Can't Find Anything Wrong by Dr Clarke. I did the Mindbody Workbook by Dr Schechter. I subscribed to the Curable app, and worked through the mental exercises and writing exercises in that (still ongoing). I started meditating and journalling. I got counselling.
I am typing this on a keyboard. I am using a mouse, and I will do so for hours more today. I can write, pain-free, with a pen. I have no pain when driving. There is no pain at night. I have taken up videogame development, something I've wanted to do for years. 99% of my pain is gone, and it continues to fade. Most days, I don't even remember that I used to be disabled. When I do remember, I'm astounded at the rapid change that has improved my life so much, and that the change came about through mainly reading and thinking.
April 4, 2014
If you are new to mindbody principles, it is good, if you are not, it is basic and obvious. So my rating would vary depending on who picked it up...
maybe it would convince some new comers to this now widely accepted fact, that the mind affects the body for real and not just in the old understanding of- in the 'psychosomatic' sense. But if you have already read things like Damasio, Alexander, 'When the Body Says No' or any contemporary neuroscience, don't bother. BUT if you want to recommend a book to your uncle who just never gets it, and will never read those other books, sure... good idea. (But 'When the Body Says No' is better...
maybe it would convince some new comers to this now widely accepted fact, that the mind affects the body for real and not just in the old understanding of- in the 'psychosomatic' sense. But if you have already read things like Damasio, Alexander, 'When the Body Says No' or any contemporary neuroscience, don't bother. BUT if you want to recommend a book to your uncle who just never gets it, and will never read those other books, sure... good idea. (But 'When the Body Says No' is better...
October 1, 2022
Too Freudian for my tastes..
April 25, 2023
It is a truth universally acknowledged that many people go through a lot of physical pain at some point or most of their lives. Some pain is definitely caused by well-defined physiological injuries. But in a surprisingly large fraction of cases, either the pain doesn't have an identifiable physiological cause (not necessarily injury), or the cause is often misidentified, so fixing it leaves the patient no better than before. The same physical phenomenon that supposedly caused the pain in one individual is perfectly benign in many others. Fixing the phenomenon (often at considerable expense) merely results in the pain blithely moving to a different spot. It is as though the individual is deliberately taunting the world by simulating an ailment, except that he is the one suffering the very real pain.
Sarno's theory of the Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) seems at first glance to be incredible indeed. The patient's mind is indeed causing the pain, and is cannily using plausible locations to site the pain, and is not above deviously moving the pain locus about even as surgical means are brought to bear on the initial pain spot! Why does this happen? Is the individual fooling the world? Or this elaborate self-deception? The people who've experienced this pain don't seem to be the personality type that shirks responsibility (assuming the pain is a ploy to evade duty), so there seems to be no motive for such dissimulation.
The TMS explanation makes more sense as you consider that the mind is a complicated construct of the brain (how can it be otherwise?) and that the modules of it that are felt by us to be the most immediate -- our sense of self, our consciousness --, for all their fascinating mystery, are only small parts, like instrument dials, of a much larger unconscious engine that we can only indirectly monitor, if at all. It is the unconscious that decides many things about our life without our (our self's) mediation, and indeed, being conscious of all its activities would be a hindrance to its smooth functioning. Unconscious emotions -- reactions to the world and to events, perhaps in the distant past -- can be raw and terrifying, and unlike conscious thought and emotions, cannot be rationally processed and pacified. TMS posits that the unconscious mind, since it does have access to body control, will use mild oxygen deprivation to create diversionary pain, to prevent the conscious expression of these unconscious "rages", which it deems much more dangerous than the physical pain.
The practical bright spot about this theory is that it proposes a solution: Because it is the mind (albeit the unconscious part of it) that is involved, we can tell our conscious mind about TMS, and the unconscious will realize the jig is up and stop using TMS. Strangely, this does not seem to mean that the repressed rages have to necessarily be unleashed (although Sarno mentions one case where they were, unintentionally, which of course also solves the problem by making hiding it a lost cause). Even more happily, Sarno claims that simply reading about the TMS process is often sufficient, and there is no need for real-time mediation with a TMS expert, as would be the case in standard psychotherapy.
I have had episodes of pain (that I didn't imagine) disappear after a few weeks on multiple occasions. I knew of TMS although I wasn't always consciously practicing any pain-mitigating mental strategy. I feel inclined to believe TMS was at play and thinking about it (as Sarno enjoins) helped counter it. But this is one person's anecdotal experience.
How much of the TMS theory can one legitimately believe? Sarno marshals an impressive amount of experimental data that he has collected over the years. The book is small. If you can read a couple hundred pages (or even just the first chapter), surely there is nothing to lose so you might as well try. Is it possibly a placebo? Sarno says addressing the physical symptoms of TMS is actually the real placebo, yielding only temporary solutions, whereas shutting off the mind's TMS strategy is the real solution. This sounds vaguely circular. There is also the seemingly religious exhortation that one has to be open to accepting TMS as valid for the solution to work. I.e., you gotta have faith!
But is it faith really? Considering that a large part of our mind is patently not under our conscious control, there is a good chance it's doing it's own thing. Some or even much of it is definitely for our benefit, but some of it is likely not. Skepticism, not faith, requires us to consider that the unconscious is not going to be uniformly beneficial. We unconsciously do un-beneficial things (no life is without regrets), and creating physical pain to hide unconscious anguish could well be one of them. And if reading a well-written 200-page book is the price for resolving pointless pain, what a very cheap price to pay!
Sarno's theory of the Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) seems at first glance to be incredible indeed. The patient's mind is indeed causing the pain, and is cannily using plausible locations to site the pain, and is not above deviously moving the pain locus about even as surgical means are brought to bear on the initial pain spot! Why does this happen? Is the individual fooling the world? Or this elaborate self-deception? The people who've experienced this pain don't seem to be the personality type that shirks responsibility (assuming the pain is a ploy to evade duty), so there seems to be no motive for such dissimulation.
The TMS explanation makes more sense as you consider that the mind is a complicated construct of the brain (how can it be otherwise?) and that the modules of it that are felt by us to be the most immediate -- our sense of self, our consciousness --, for all their fascinating mystery, are only small parts, like instrument dials, of a much larger unconscious engine that we can only indirectly monitor, if at all. It is the unconscious that decides many things about our life without our (our self's) mediation, and indeed, being conscious of all its activities would be a hindrance to its smooth functioning. Unconscious emotions -- reactions to the world and to events, perhaps in the distant past -- can be raw and terrifying, and unlike conscious thought and emotions, cannot be rationally processed and pacified. TMS posits that the unconscious mind, since it does have access to body control, will use mild oxygen deprivation to create diversionary pain, to prevent the conscious expression of these unconscious "rages", which it deems much more dangerous than the physical pain.
The practical bright spot about this theory is that it proposes a solution: Because it is the mind (albeit the unconscious part of it) that is involved, we can tell our conscious mind about TMS, and the unconscious will realize the jig is up and stop using TMS. Strangely, this does not seem to mean that the repressed rages have to necessarily be unleashed (although Sarno mentions one case where they were, unintentionally, which of course also solves the problem by making hiding it a lost cause). Even more happily, Sarno claims that simply reading about the TMS process is often sufficient, and there is no need for real-time mediation with a TMS expert, as would be the case in standard psychotherapy.
I have had episodes of pain (that I didn't imagine) disappear after a few weeks on multiple occasions. I knew of TMS although I wasn't always consciously practicing any pain-mitigating mental strategy. I feel inclined to believe TMS was at play and thinking about it (as Sarno enjoins) helped counter it. But this is one person's anecdotal experience.
How much of the TMS theory can one legitimately believe? Sarno marshals an impressive amount of experimental data that he has collected over the years. The book is small. If you can read a couple hundred pages (or even just the first chapter), surely there is nothing to lose so you might as well try. Is it possibly a placebo? Sarno says addressing the physical symptoms of TMS is actually the real placebo, yielding only temporary solutions, whereas shutting off the mind's TMS strategy is the real solution. This sounds vaguely circular. There is also the seemingly religious exhortation that one has to be open to accepting TMS as valid for the solution to work. I.e., you gotta have faith!
But is it faith really? Considering that a large part of our mind is patently not under our conscious control, there is a good chance it's doing it's own thing. Some or even much of it is definitely for our benefit, but some of it is likely not. Skepticism, not faith, requires us to consider that the unconscious is not going to be uniformly beneficial. We unconsciously do un-beneficial things (no life is without regrets), and creating physical pain to hide unconscious anguish could well be one of them. And if reading a well-written 200-page book is the price for resolving pointless pain, what a very cheap price to pay!
February 12, 2020
Miracle!!!
This book is a miracle! My back was injured when I was hit by a truck 3 1/2 years ago. I had disc problems, torn muscles & torn ligaments. They never healed. I gave up all the physical activities I once enjoyed. I was lead to this book at my breaking point. I’ve tried a dozen or so other things to heal my back. I’d already lost most of my money from treatments, underemployment and unemployment. I was at the pit of despair. I felt sad and angry so I bought the book instantly. This book is the best cure for my back and any other issues I’ve ever experienced!! I am so thankful I found it. I read the book cover to cover in a couple days. Then reread a little bit each day. I was back to my old exercise routines in less than a month! The pain is gone. It is surreal. I thought I was done for, but I have my old lifestyle back and maybe better because I’ll never take it for granted again. Thank you so much Dr. Sarno.
This book is a miracle! My back was injured when I was hit by a truck 3 1/2 years ago. I had disc problems, torn muscles & torn ligaments. They never healed. I gave up all the physical activities I once enjoyed. I was lead to this book at my breaking point. I’ve tried a dozen or so other things to heal my back. I’d already lost most of my money from treatments, underemployment and unemployment. I was at the pit of despair. I felt sad and angry so I bought the book instantly. This book is the best cure for my back and any other issues I’ve ever experienced!! I am so thankful I found it. I read the book cover to cover in a couple days. Then reread a little bit each day. I was back to my old exercise routines in less than a month! The pain is gone. It is surreal. I thought I was done for, but I have my old lifestyle back and maybe better because I’ll never take it for granted again. Thank you so much Dr. Sarno.
December 12, 2018
If you suffer from chronic pain I highly reccommend it. Combined with the Curable app the two have halfed my pain levels.
June 24, 2022
Interesting stuff but too Freudian for my tastes. My migraines and chronic tension headaches are not caused by trauma related to my childhood or any other events in my life.. :-{
March 25, 2025
Great read if you’re open to learning about an alternative way to heal
July 9, 2016
I'm currently trying to solve an RSI issue. I had previously read It's Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!: RSI Theory and Therapy for Computer Professionals. Funnily enough, that book mentions Dr. Sarno's The Mindbody Prescription, but dismisses it because the authors take offense at the idea that it might be all in your head. And then I read a blog article in which the author took issue with It's Not Carpal Tunnel because the authors claim that RSI is a lifelong problem that can only be managed. The blogger said that he hasn't had a problem with RSI since reading The Mindbody Prescription.
Now, on first reading the blog article and the synopsis of The Mindbody Prescription, my gut reaction was, "That won't apply to me. I'm the most emotionally stable person I know." But lo and behold, after the seed was planted, I started to realize just how much anxiety I was holding in. Sarno describes me to a T - I recognize that I have perfectionist tendencies, and I'm a goodist all the way. [Aside: one side of my family has auto-immune disorders in abundance; we might be a high-strung sort of family.] He also describes my physical problems as if we've talked. Every health professional I've discussed my problem with has given me a skeptical sort of look at the range of problems I've been experiencing, saying things like, "Well, it could be this, but that's usually only experienced in such and such a way." Or, "It's weird that..." So it was kind of nice to receive a certain sort of validation.
Other than my initial reaction, it hasn't been much of a leap for me to believe that my physical problems might stem from emotional distress. The body is a complex organism, and I'm aware of many scientific studies that have shown how much of an impact the mind can have on physical outcomes. Also, given that I am physically fit and have been following the advice for treating RSI and have seen therapists to help me deal with my physical issues, after a couple of months of not seeing improvement except for temporarily, it seems fairly obvious to me that something else is at play here.
So I'm trying Dr. Sarno's strategy. I've experienced some short-term relief, but I wouldn't call myself cured yet. I'll stick with it for a while before looking for the next fix, but I hold out hope that this will do it for me.
Now, on first reading the blog article and the synopsis of The Mindbody Prescription, my gut reaction was, "That won't apply to me. I'm the most emotionally stable person I know." But lo and behold, after the seed was planted, I started to realize just how much anxiety I was holding in. Sarno describes me to a T - I recognize that I have perfectionist tendencies, and I'm a goodist all the way. [Aside: one side of my family has auto-immune disorders in abundance; we might be a high-strung sort of family.] He also describes my physical problems as if we've talked. Every health professional I've discussed my problem with has given me a skeptical sort of look at the range of problems I've been experiencing, saying things like, "Well, it could be this, but that's usually only experienced in such and such a way." Or, "It's weird that..." So it was kind of nice to receive a certain sort of validation.
Other than my initial reaction, it hasn't been much of a leap for me to believe that my physical problems might stem from emotional distress. The body is a complex organism, and I'm aware of many scientific studies that have shown how much of an impact the mind can have on physical outcomes. Also, given that I am physically fit and have been following the advice for treating RSI and have seen therapists to help me deal with my physical issues, after a couple of months of not seeing improvement except for temporarily, it seems fairly obvious to me that something else is at play here.
So I'm trying Dr. Sarno's strategy. I've experienced some short-term relief, but I wouldn't call myself cured yet. I'll stick with it for a while before looking for the next fix, but I hold out hope that this will do it for me.
December 21, 2021
Don’t get me wrong, the concepts in this book are essential for someone in chronic pain to understand.
I think the reason this book is so highly rated is because once you explore the possibility that your pain is not the cause of any structural issue, but rather your mind, you achieve a sense of freedom, relief, and control.
However, I think this research is dated and the reasoning as to why your mind is sending pain signals was a little questionable for me. The author clearly tries to relate to as many people as possible by listing every injury and disease possible and in some cases having a pretty weak argument as to why it’s neuroplastic.
I found ‘The Way Out’ by Alan Gordon to be more modern and realistic. I think both should be read but definitely prioritize The Way Out. I also recommend pairing this reading with Headspace meditation. Doing the basics course then doing the pain management course helped significantly with somatic tracking exercises.
Good luck in finding pain relief!
I think the reason this book is so highly rated is because once you explore the possibility that your pain is not the cause of any structural issue, but rather your mind, you achieve a sense of freedom, relief, and control.
However, I think this research is dated and the reasoning as to why your mind is sending pain signals was a little questionable for me. The author clearly tries to relate to as many people as possible by listing every injury and disease possible and in some cases having a pretty weak argument as to why it’s neuroplastic.
I found ‘The Way Out’ by Alan Gordon to be more modern and realistic. I think both should be read but definitely prioritize The Way Out. I also recommend pairing this reading with Headspace meditation. Doing the basics course then doing the pain management course helped significantly with somatic tracking exercises.
Good luck in finding pain relief!
April 15, 2023
Wish I could give 3,5 stars because 3 isn’t enough but 4 seems too much. It was a very interesting book and his theory works but there are subjects where he gives almost too much information and subjects where he gives too little. I could have done without the middle of the book but it might be usefully for some. Also some things where a bit outdated (but the book is also 25 year old so that is to be expected) in my opinion which annoyed me because I had the absolute opposite experience as described in the book but I now afterward realise that getting angry at that was also useful because of Sarno’s theory and my deep rooted anger I’ve build up at the medical system in the last decade. Sometimes I also got angry at Sarno himself but now afterwards that also makes sense.
Although I would personally go deeper on certain subjects and a bit less on others it was a very useful book and I definitely recommend it. I’m going to reread it because at the end I looked at it in a whole other way than when I started and I’m interested what it will bring me with this new “mindset”!
Although I would personally go deeper on certain subjects and a bit less on others it was a very useful book and I definitely recommend it. I’m going to reread it because at the end I looked at it in a whole other way than when I started and I’m interested what it will bring me with this new “mindset”!
July 19, 2017
I KNEW MY 30 YEARS OF PAIN WAS INDUCED BY SOMETHING OTHER THAN BAD DISCS
I just began using the techniques, and they worked immediately. I plan to dig up all my rage and really heal back, stomach, headache, tension & anxiety maladies.
I knew it was something, but rage didn't occur to me... and I AM conscience angry, can't wait to unearth the old rage too!
I just began using the techniques, and they worked immediately. I plan to dig up all my rage and really heal back, stomach, headache, tension & anxiety maladies.
I knew it was something, but rage didn't occur to me... and I AM conscience angry, can't wait to unearth the old rage too!
August 16, 2017
Words cannot express how much this book has somehow effected/contributed to/verified/debunked/destroyed everything I know and believe. There is more to think about and consider than just what is presented by Dr. Sarno. Can I give it 10/5 stars?
April 30, 2025
Read again in 2025
September 22, 2019
After reading this book, 12yrs of lower back pain was gone. I was able to do physical activity that I normally would’ve caused pain.
March 1, 2020
Realized the mind does control my chronic pain and I can stop it.
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