Much of the chronic and recurrent pain and discomfort that we all experience is psychologically induced. This psychologically induced pain is called TMS, or The Mindbody Syndrome. TMS most commonly affects the back, neck, and legs, but can affect any part of the body or organ system. Some common TMS disorders include headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), and fibromyalgia. Using today’s popular lingo, TMS is a mindbody disorder – the symptoms arise from the mind and are experienced by the body. Thus, The Mindbody Syndrome is an appropriate title. With the information in this book, I am optimistic that you will be able to eliminate your pain, no matter where it is. You will do this with knowledge. Simply by changing how you think about the connection between your brain and body, you will begin to feel better. I will not be recommending oral medication, special exercises, surgery, injections, physical therapy, chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture, massage therapy or any other of the multitude of alternative therapies that have sprung up in an effort to combat the explosion of chronic and recurrent pain in our society. Just knowledge.
Dr. Marc Sopher is a family physician who has been practicing in Exeter, New Hampshire since 1990. In addition to his practice and work with TMS, he is medical director of the Synergy Health and Fitness Center and provides medical care to the students of Phillips Exeter Academy. Dr. Sopher has served on the editorial board of the American College of Sports Medicine's Health and Fitness Journal.
An avid athlete, Dr. Sopher has run seven marathons and the Mt. Washington Road Race. He was captain of the Williams College tennis team, and he continues to play competitive tennis. He enjoys biking and hiking with his family and once was spotted carrying an injured 90-pound dog on his back down Mt. Washington's Tuckerman's Ravine trail, relishing the extra workout.
Chapter 1
GETTING STARTED
You are probably in pain right now. That is why you are holding this book in your hands, looking for some relief. Perhaps you picked this up because you have heard of Dr. Sarno and TMS (tension myositis syndrome). Maybe a friend recommended this to you or you simply discovered it in the process of searching for answers. Your pain may be in your neck, back, legs, feet, head – it could be anywhere. With the information in this book, I am optimistic that you will be able to eliminate your pain, no matter where it is. You will do this with knowledge. Simply by changing how you think about the connection between your brain and body, you will begin to feel better. I will not be recommending oral medication, special exercises, surgery, injections, physical therapy, chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture, massage therapy, prolotherapy, or any other of the multitude of alternative therapies that have sprung up in an effort to combat the explosion of chronic and recurrent pain in our society. Just knowledge.
Through the process of education, you will gain a better understanding of how psychology can affect physiology – how your brain can be responsible for the creation of very real physical pain. Armed with that knowledge, you will do battle with your brain and stop the pain. And you will have Dr. John Sarno to thank.