What does Dr. John Sarno say about back pain?

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from chronic back pain, you may have tried countless treatments without finding relief.

But have you ever considered that your back pain could be caused by something other than a physical injury?

According to Dr. John Sarno, a renowned physician and author, the root cause of many cases of back pain is actually psychological.

In his groundbreaking book, “Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection,” first published in 1991, Dr. John Sarno argues that back pain is often the result of repressed emotions and stress. He posits that the brain, in an effort to protect the body, creates physical symptoms like back pain as a distraction from emotional turmoil.

Mind-body medicine

Dr. Sarno's approach to treating back pain, which he calls mind-body medicine, involves identifying and addressing the emotional factors that are contributing to the pain. This can involve techniques like journaling, meditation, and therapy to help patients understand and release their repressed emotions.

Despite initial skepticism, Dr. Sarno's theories have gained widespread acceptance in the medical community. In fact, a study published in the “Journal of General Internal Medicine” in 2000 found that patients with chronic back pain who underwent a 10-week mind-body program experienced significant reductions in pain and improvements in function compared to a control group.

Another study, published in the journal “Spine” in 2004, found that a mind-body intervention led to greater improvements in pain, function, and psychological distress than traditional physical therapy for patients with chronic low back pain.

Promising alternative

While Dr. Sarno's ideas may initially seem unconventional, they offer a promising alternative to the traditional approach of treating back pain with medications, injections, or surgery.

By addressing the underlying emotional factors that contribute to back pain, people can experience lasting relief without resorting to invasive procedures.

In addition to the mind-body approach, Dr. Sarno also emphasizes the importance of changing your mindset and beliefs about pain.

He argues that many people with back pain have been conditioned to believe that their pain is a result of a physical injury or degenerative condition, and that they must rely on medical interventions to manage it.

Persistence of pain

However, Dr. Sarno asserts that these beliefs can actually contribute to the persistence of pain. By adopting a new belief system that acknowledges the mind-body connection and focuses on emotional healing, patients can break free from the cycle of chronic pain.

Dr. Sarno's ideas have also been applied to many types of chronic pain, including fibromyalgia, migraines, and irritable bowel syndrome. His approach has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for many people.

Another insight from Dr. Sarno's work is the role of cultural beliefs and social conditioning in shaping our experiences of pain. For example, in some cultures, back pain is not a common complaint, whereas in others, it is a widespread problem.

This suggests that our beliefs and attitudes towards pain are not solely determined by biology or physiology, but are also shaped by social and cultural factors.

Cultural and societal influences

By understanding these cultural and societal influences, we can gain a better understanding of the mind-body connection and develop more effective treatments for chronic pain.

Dr. Sarno's work highlights the importance of taking a holistic approach to your healing, one that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of pain.

By treating the whole person, rather than just the physical symptoms of pain, we can achieve deeper and more lasting healing.

While it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new treatment approach and to test for structural or disease issues, the mind-body approach can be a valuable tool in managing your chronic pain and improving overall wellbeing.