Healing Back Pain: The Mind-body Connection -

The brain restricts blood flow to specific muscles and nerves, leading to a mild oxygen deprivation that causes intense muscle spasms and pain.

According to Dr. Sarno, the brain creates physical pain as a to prevent the sufferer from experiencing overwhelming repressed emotions. Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection

Dr. Sarno observed that self-motivated, successful, and perfectionistic individuals are most prone to TMS due to the internal pressure they place on themselves. The Healing Process: Education Over Medication The brain restricts blood flow to specific muscles

The 1991 New York Times bestseller by Dr. John E. Sarno introduced the revolutionary concept of Tension Myoneural Syndrome (TMS) . Dr. Sarno’s core thesis is that most chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain is psychosomatic—originating from repressed emotional tension , such as stress, anger, or anxiety, rather than structural abnormalities like herniated discs. The Core Philosophy: Tension Myoneural Syndrome (TMS) John E

Techniques like journaling and mindfulness are used to uncover and confront the repressed anger or anxiety fueling the physical symptoms. Practical Mind-Body Strategies

Daily practice helps reduce muscle tension and retrain the brain's response to pain signals.

The book remains a staple in holistic health and is widely available at retailers like Barnes & Noble and Walmart . While some medical critics argue the theory oversimplifies complex conditions, many Amazon and Goodreads reviewers credit the book with life-changing relief after years of chronic pain.