Dr. John Sarno and healing arthritis pain

If you suffer from arthritis pain, you may have heard of Dr. John Sarno.

Dr. Sarno was a physician who dedicated his career to studying and treating chronic pain, including arthritis pain. He believed that many cases of chronic pain, including arthritis pain, were caused by psychological factors rather than physical ones.

Dr. Sarno identified and named the condition Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS). It is a type of psychosomatic disorder characterized by chronic musculoskeletal pain that is not caused by a structural or physical problem.

Instead, the pain is believed to be caused by psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and repressed emotions.

Addressing underlying psychological issues

According to Dr. Sarno, when these emotions are not dealt with, they can manifest as physical symptoms such as pain.

This theory was initially considered controversial, but many people have reported success in treating their chronic pain by addressing the underlying psychological issues.

Dr. Sarno’s approach to treating arthritis pain is not based on medication or surgery. Instead, he believed in educating people about the connection between their emotions and their pain, and helping them to confront and process those emotions.

This approach can be effective for some people, particularly those whose pain has not responded well to other treatments.

Supported by numerous studies

Dr. Sarno’s theories were supported by a number of studies over the years. A study published in the “Journal of Rheumatology” in 1999 found that patients with fibromyalgia who were treated with a program based on his principles had significant reductions in pain and other symptoms.

Another study published in the “Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation” in 2013 found that patients with chronic back pain who participated in a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program that included elements of Dr. Sarno’s approach had significant improvements in pain and other outcomes.

Alternative approach to treating chronic pain

Dr. Sarno’s techniques offer an alternative approach to treating chronic pain that may be helpful for some people.

By focusing on the psychological factors that contribute to pain, Sarno’s approach may be able to address the root cause of your arthritis pain rather than just managing the symptoms.

Exploring treatment options

So if you’re struggling with arthritis pain, what can you do?

First, it is important to see a health professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to your pain. Once you’ve done that, you can explore different treatment options, including Dr. Sarno’s approach.

One key element of Dr. Sarno’s approach is education. By learning about the connection between your emotions and your pain, you may be better equipped to address those underlying emotional issues.

You may also benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which can help you identify and change negative thought patterns that may be contributing to your pain.

Another important aspect of Dr. Sarno’s approach is to practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques. By learning to quiet your mind and relax your body, you may be able to reduce the physical tension that can contribute to arthritis pain.

Expressing emotions

It is critical to find ways to express your emotions in a healthy way. This may involve talking to a therapist, journaling, or finding creative outlets such as art or music.

By acknowledging, processing and expressing your emotions, you may be able to reduce the amount of emotional tension that is contributing to your arthritis pain without drugs or surgery.

Medical intervention

It is worth noting that Sarno’s approach may not work for everyone.

Some people may find that their pain is caused by physical factors that require medical intervention, such as joint damage or inflammation.

Additionally, Sarno’s theories have not been widely accepted by the established  medical community and some healthcare providers may be skeptical of his approach.

Open mind

However, if you have failed to find relief from other treatments and are interested in exploring alternative approaches to managing your arthritis pain, Dr. Sarno’s approach may be worth considering.

It is important to approach any new treatment with an open mind and to work with a qualified health professional who can help you determine the best course of action for your individual needs.

Other treatments

In addition to Dr. Sarno’s approach, there are other treatments that may be helpful for managing your arthritis pain. These include acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care, among others.

While the effectiveness of these treatments may vary from person to person, many people have reported finding relief from their pain through these approaches.

Lifestyle changes

It is also important to make lifestyle changes that can help reduce the severity of arthritis pain.

This includes maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and eating a balanced diet.

By taking care of your body and managing your stress levels, you may be able to reduce your pain and improve your overall health and wellbeing.