From my late teens into my early thirties, I struggled with a variety of painful conditions like chronic back pain, sciatica, and TMJ. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon Dr. Sarno’s groundbreaking book, Healing Back Pain, that I found relief. Now, at 44, I rarely experience chronic pain. Whenever an issue arises, I revisit Dr. Sarno’s concepts to help manage and alleviate the pain.
Dr. Sarno was a back pain specialist at NYU’s Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation for over 50 years. His approach in books like Healing Back Pain encourages patients to explore emotional routes to relieve their physical pain, a method that has significantly changed many lives, including my own.
As someone who has personally benefited from Dr. Sarno’s methods, I feel compelled to share this knowledge, especially for those of you dealing with persistent pain. His strategy centers on addressing underlying emotional tensions that contribute to physical pain, which he identified as Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS). According to Dr. Sarno, understanding and addressing these emotional aspects can lead to significant physical relief without the need for medication or surgery.
My journey to overcoming chronic pain began with a severe case of Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC), which dramatically affected my vision. At that time, I was grappling with personal and professional frustrations. I felt stuck living at home, my career prospects were bleak, and my personal relationships were strained. These factors contributed to my condition, manifesting physically as eye inflammation so severe that within two years, I became legally blind.
Despite numerous doctor visits and considerations for surgery, nothing provided long-term solutions until I embraced Dr. Sarno’s teachings. His approach not only helped me understand the link between my physical symptoms and emotional health but also encouraged me to make significant life changes. I returned to school, pursued new interests like running, and ultimately transformed my life’s trajectory.
Dr. Sarno’s work suggests that many physical ailments, especially those that don’t show up on medical tests like X-rays, can be related to psychological stress. His treatment doesn’t just apply to back pain but to a range of soft tissue disorders, and the principles can be transformative, offering a new lease on life without pain.
For those of you struggling with chronic pain, consider exploring Dr. Sarno’s work more deeply. Whether through his books or the documentary All The Rage: Saved By Sarno, which features stories from patients including celebrities like Howard Stern and Larry David, you might find a path to healing that conventional medicine hasn’t provided.
If you’re at a point where traditional medical treatments have failed, Dr. Sarno’s method might be worth considering. It’s a non-invasive approach that has the potential to not only alleviate your pain but also enhance your overall well-being and perspective on life.
