| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
shawnsmith
Czech Republic
2048 Posts |
 Posted - 09/28/2007 : 05:45:06
|
Back Pain & Osteoporosis: Stress and Back Pain: What's the Connection?
September 28, 2007
JOHNS HOPKINS HEALTH ALERT: BACK PAIN AND OSTEOPOROSIS
by Johns Hopkins Health Alerts
http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com
** HOW TO COPE WITH STRESS-INDUCED BACK PAIN
* Two studies point to the connection between poor emotional coping
skills and back problems.
If you have pain in your back, the source may be inside your head. One
of the main causes of back pain is emotional stress, and back pain may
be a signal that you are not coping well with stress, according to two
new studies.
A recent study of more than 48,000 men in the Swedish Army clearly
shows the link between back problems and the ability to cope with
stress. These military recruits took a battery of medical
examinations, intellectual tests, and a test of their ability to cope
with stress. Coping was defined as efforts to manage or modify the
negative impact of stress.
The researchers found that more than 5,000 men had a back problem
severe enough to interfere with military service. The vast majority of
these problems were nonspecific back pain and disease. Those who had
poor coping skills were more likely to have back pain. Interestingly,
good coping ability and intelligence were strongly associated, which
may mean that the smarter you are, the easier it is to learn how to
handle stress.
In a similar study, a group of 368 U.S. Army soldiers filled out
questionnaires about their health and work habits at their first visit
to a clinic for acute low back pain. Job stress was related to
emotional distress, and this distress was directly related to clinic
visits for back pain. The more emotional distress a soldier had, the
more return visits to the clinic it took to solve the back pain.
This study confirms other research that shows the combination of
psychological distress and the physiological demands of work relate to
increased risk of back symptoms. The Army researchers believe that job
stress plays an important role in persistent low back pain, and that
reducing emotional distress can reduce that pain.
What's the Connection? It's common knowledge that people under stress
are tense, and that tension can easily settle in your back. If you
experience constant stress, even at a low level, your muscles may be
tightening up so often that you don't notice anything out of the
ordinary. But those taut muscles can send a strong signal of pain to
your brain. The pain may lead you to become leery of doing normal
activities. Limiting your movement and activity only leads muscles to
become deconditioned and weaker, which in turn leads to more back
pain. This sets up a vicious cycle that may end up in chronic back
pain.
------Advertisement------
FEATURED BACK PAIN AND OSTEOPOROSIS TITLES:
* 2007 Johns Hopkins Back Pain and Osteoporosis White Paper
Addresses back pain due to sprains, strains, and spasms; degenerative
changes of the spinal bones and disks; disk herniation; and spinal
stenosis. Also covers osteoporosis, a common cause of fractures in the
spine and hip, and pain management.
Read more or order INSTANT PDF DIGITAL DOWNLOAD EDITION:
http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/white_papers/back_pain_osteoporosis_wp/digital_landing.html?st=email&s=EBH_070928_002"target="_blank"
Read more or order PRINT EDITION:
http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/white_papers/back_pain_osteoporosis_wp/main_landing.html?st=email&s=EBH_070928_002"target="_blank"
* 2007 Johns Hopkins Arthritis White Paper
Arthritis now affects over 70 million Americans. The Johns Hopkins
2007 Arthritis White Paper provides in-depth knowledge on the most
recent breakthroughs concerning the most common forms of
arthritis--osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, it
includes two other rheumatic diseases: fibromyalgia syndrome and
bursitis, and also ankylosing spondylitis, gout, and lyme disease.
PLUS, get your special discount and FREE Special Report: Active Living
with Arthritis through this exclusive web-only offer.
Read more or order INSTANT PDF DIGITAL DOWNLOAD EDITION:
http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/white_papers/arthritis_wp/digital_landing.html?st=email&s=EBH_070928_002"target="_blank"
Read more or order PRINT EDITION:
http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/white_papers/arthritis_wp/main_landing.html?st=email&s=EBH_070928_002"target="_blank"
* The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Bulletin
The Arthritis Bulletin is a quarterly publication that presents the
latest information available to help you make informed decisions about
your arthritis care. PLUS 4 FREE Special Reports available as INSTANT
PDF DIGITAL DOWNLOADS.
Read more or order:
http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/bulletins/arthritis_bulletin/main_landing.html?st=email&s=EBH_070928_002"target="_blank"
* Johns Hopkins Recipes for Arthritis Health
How food affects arthritis has been a source of controversy for years
and has often resulted in questionable remedies and diets. What is
not controversial, however, is that those with arthritis should
control their weight and maximize nutritional health.
Read more or order:
http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/books/recipes_arthritis/main_landing.html?st=email&s=EBH_070928_002"target="_blank"
* The Johns Hopkins Medical Letter: Health After 50
When you're over 50, it's more important than ever to have access to
reliable health information. You won't find a more authoritative
source than The Johns Hopkins Medical Letter: Health After 50.
Read more or order:
http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/health_after_50/main_landing.html?st=email&s=EBH_070928_002"target="_blank"
Johns Hopkins Reference Books:
* The Johns Hopkins Medical Guide to Health After 50
A comprehensive home medical encyclopedia that gives you a "crash
course" on more than 100 major medical concerns of men and women over
50.
Read more or order:
http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/books/ha_50_med_guide/main_landing.html?st=email&s=EBH_070928_002"target="_blank"
* Johns Hopkins Symptoms and Remedies
This easy-to-use reference book can help you pinpoint the causes of
hundreds of disorders, from abdominal pain to skin rash to swollen
glands.
Read more or order:
http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/books/s_r/main_landing.html?st=email&s=EBH_070928_002"target="_blank"
* The Johns Hopkins Consumer Guide to Drugs
This illustrated guide contains drug profiles on more than 750
medications both prescription and over-the-counter. Also includes a
guide to dietary supplements.
Read more or order:
http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/books/drug_guide/main_landing.html?st=email&s=EBH_070928_002"target="_blank"
* The Johns Hopkins Consumer Guide to Medical Tests
Created to help you understand the essentials of modern diagnostic
testing, this authoritative Guide answers your questions so you can
make more educated decisions about your health and medical care.
Read more or order:
http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/books/med_tests_guide/main_landing.html?st=email&s=EBH_070928_002"target="_blank"
For other Johns Hopkins Publications, please visit our Bookstore:
http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/bookstore/index.html?st=email&s=EBH_070928_010"target="_blank"
*******
Sarno-ize it!
Read chapter 4 of Dr. Sarno's "The Divided Mind." Also chapers 3, 4 and 5 in Dr. Scott Brady's "Pain Free For Life" are very important. |
|
|
ralphyde
USA
307 Posts |
Posted - 09/28/2007 : 10:52:08
|
Could conventional medicine finally be waking up and getting a clue, only thirty years after Dr. Sarno?
Ralph |
 |
|
|
csmoon
USA
38 Posts |
Posted - 09/30/2007 : 09:40:58
|
These studies' results seem to contradict Dr. Sarno's findings, in that the coping skills of the pain sufferers are lacking (Sarno says his patients cope too well) and intelligence is lower among patients. Sarno claims TMS hits the higher tier of the intellectual food chain. But it certainly helps to have a "reputable" name in healthcare release such results linking stress and disabling pain.
This I found most interesting: "It's common knowledge that people under stress
are tense, and that tension can easily settle in your back." If this were so, why is Dr. Sarno a pariah in the medical world? |
Edited by - csmoon on 09/30/2007 12:20:36 |
|
|
|
mamaboulet
181 Posts |
Posted - 09/30/2007 : 11:53:12
|
| I know too many very intelligent people who apparently suffer from TMS to believe that part of the study. |
|
|
|
lidge
USA
184 Posts |
Posted - 09/30/2007 : 14:02:20
|
I have been suffering from severe neck and back pain. This following a period of stress and depression. Cervical spine MRI revealed terrible degeneration for a 48 year old woman, and am told by neurosurgeon I have pinched nerves in neck.
More puzzling, in May I developed severe low back pain. While lumbar MRI shows herniated disc, it continues to be severe and constant and resistant to meds and an epidural.
I have read Sarno's work over and over. I certainly fit the profile.
However, the pain continues despite my "awareness' that this might be
TMS.
How in the world can one know if this is truly psychologically based?
My pain management dr. is now "passing me on" and I'm desperate.
If the mere knowledge of TMS and the belief cannot rid you of the pain, is it likely that it is in fact, TMS.
I went to a psychologist and proposed the Sarno theory. He thought I was trying to control the pain and referred me to the pain mangagement dr. Now I'm back to square one.
I live in NJ and do not know of any TMS docs. Is there anyone available by phone?
Would a psychologist conversant in somatic disorders be able to help?
Truly desperate. Any advice? |
|
|
|
armchairlinguist
USA
1397 Posts |
Posted - 09/30/2007 : 19:18:31
|
Lidge:
http://www.tarpityoga.com/directory.html#NJ
This lists two doctors in NJ. Hopefully you'll be able to see one of them, or find a therapist through them.
Don't lose hope though, even if you aren't able to see them. Sometimes it requires more than just awareness and belief. Have you tried any work on identifying possible repressed feelings (journaling)? Are you able to challenge the pain to any extent?
--
Wherever you go, there you are. |
|
|
|
lidge
USA
184 Posts |
Posted - 10/01/2007 : 12:14:04
|
armchair-
The drs. on the list are too far for me- does anyone do this over the phone
I had read something about a David Shachter- anyone hear of him?
Oh I can pinpoint a mountain of repressed feelings, rage etc.
I'm not sure what you mean by challenge the pain.
I do try to see if I can do as Sarno says- say I know what is going on and I won't buy into etc. But the pain is there always and has gotten so bad I barely go out because walking makes it worse. There is, however, no relief even when standing still or sitting.
I have found that as I have gone from one doctor to another, each one
in turn telling me it is something serious (or not) and passing me on when what they do doesn't work, the rage increases. I can certainly tie this to childhood feelings and have an awareness of it.
Is it actually necessary to go to a therapist to verbalize the feelings? Unfortunately, most therapists today have abandoned
"insight" based therapy recommended by sarno in favor of cognitive behaviorial therapy. Has anyone had success with an insight based
therapist who does not subscribe to the TMS theory?
Many thanks for any advice. |
|
|
|
shawnsmith
Czech Republic
2048 Posts |
Posted - 10/03/2007 : 09:12:21
|
I notice a lot of people in New Jersey posting on this board and stating they have TMS. What is it about New Jersey that seems to generate such strong, albeit repressed, emotions?
*******
Sarno-ize it!
Read chapter 4 of Dr. Sarno's "The Divided Mind." Also chapers 3, 4 and 5 in Dr. Scott Brady's "Pain Free For Life" are very important. |
|
|
|
lidge
USA
184 Posts |
Posted - 10/03/2007 : 12:10:11
|
Shawn-
Re the NJ connection- I think you hit on something. NJ is filled with transplanted New Yorkers like me. Enough said. |
|
|
|
shawnsmith
Czech Republic
2048 Posts |
Posted - 10/04/2007 : 12:12:22
|
Here is the latest from Hopkins- very disappointing:
* Special Offer from Johns Hopkins Health Alerts *
*** The Latest Back Pain Relief Strategies ***
Dr. Simeon Margolis, MD, PhD
Professor of Medicine and Biological Chemistry,
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Medical Editor, The Johns Hopkins White Papers
Dear Health Alerts Subscriber,
It's the price we pay for evolution. A lifetime of walking, standing,
lifting, and twisting causes significant low back pain in 80% of all
adults. In fact, this pain sends more people to the doctor than any
complaint except upper respiratory symptoms.
In this White Paper report, the Johns Hopkins experts tackle sprains,
strains, spasms, disk herniation, degenerative changes in the disks
and spine, spinal stenosis, and osteoporosis, a common cause of hip
and spine fractures. You will explore the causes and diagnostic
techniques, preventive steps that can spare you considerable pain, and
examine treatments that include the latest drug and surgical options.
Introducing...The 2007 Johns Hopkins White Paper: Back Pain and
Osteoporosis
Preview a copy for 30 Days -- RISK-free!
Read on to find out how.
The Johns Hopkins White Papers redefine the term "informed consumer."
In The 2007 Johns Hopkins White Paper: Back Pain and Osteoporosis,
specialists from Johns Hopkins Medicine report in depth on the latest
back pain and osteoporosis prevention strategies and treatments.
Thousands of Americans rely on Johns Hopkins expertise to help them
treat their back pain and manage their osteoporosis.
The 2007 Johns Hopkins White Paper: Back Pain and Osteoporosis is
designed to help you ensure the best outcome. Use what you learn to
help you:
* Recognize and respond to symptoms and changes as they occur.
* Communicate effectively with your doctor, ask informed questions,
and understand the answers.
* Make the right decisions, based on an understanding of the newest
drugs, the latest surgical techniques, the most promising research.
* Take control over your condition and act from knowledge, rather than
fear.
Preview it now...and this is just some of what you'll read:
* Landmark study supports bone-building powers of exercise and calcium
together.
* Exercise plan based on the latest Hopkins research reduces fat while
building bone.
* On the horizon: New osteoporosis drugs you only take once or twice a
year.
* New research on vertebral fracture, which often goes undiagnosed and
untreated.
* Bottom line on the benefits of calcium, despite two controversial
studies.
* How to cope with back and neck pain that are triggered by stress.
* Minimal surgery for herniated disks that speeds recovery and reduces
hospital time.
* New system for diagnosing low back pain that may lead to more
appropriate treatment.
* Two types of back-strengthening exercises you can do at home, right
now.
* New research on risks of traction vs. benefits of spinal
stabilization for low back pain.
* Can popular bone-building drugs erode your jaw? A rare but scary
side effect.
* Gender and osteoporosis: Low estrogen levels linked to hip fracture
in men as well.
Direct to you from the medical center ranked #1 of America's Best
Hospitals
It's no surprise that the annual U.S. News and World Report "Best of
the Best" ratings have held Johns Hopkins Hospital in the #1 spot for
seventeen consecutive years.
Johns Hopkins stands at the forefront of modern medicine, leading the
nation in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the diseases that
undermine healthy living and longevity. Each of the 2007 White Papers
has been prepared for your use by some of the most respected medical
specialists in the field.
Look to all of The Johns Hopkins White Papers for:
A thorough overview of the condition, its causes, and symptoms...
Treatment options, with a Johns Hopkins recommendation on each...
Groundbreaking new research and a review of the latest studies...
Drugs used to treat the condition, with precautions on avoiding
harmful side effects... A glossary of medical terms you need to
understand... Leading hospitals that specialize in the disorder,
health information organizations, support groups...and more.
Each Johns Hopkins White Paper gives you 72 to 96 pages of timely
information, backed by Johns Hopkins resources and expertise.
But that's not all. Order now, and you'll also receive a FREE Special
Report:
Back Pain and Osteoporosis Special Report:
Oh, My Aching Back!
Pain-free daily living:
* Healing with Hydrotherapy
Exercising in water can allow a more vigorous workout without the risk
of falls. A Johns Hopkins physical therapist helps you get started
with simple, illustrated exercises to strengthen specific areas of the
back.
* Understanding the Scans
Explore the arsenal of imaging techniques (X-ray, CT scan, MRI, bone
scan) that are used to diagnose the cause of back pain.
* Eat Right to Slow Bone Loss
Nutritionists show you the most effective ways to get the extra
calcium, vitamin D and magnesium your body needs to stave off
osteoporosis.
* Top 20 Non-Dairy Calcium Sources
How can you get enough calcium to prevent osteoporosis if you don't
eat dairy? Look here first if you are lactose intolerant, follow a
vegan diet, or just don't like dairy products.
* Injectible Pain Relief
Find out what kind of pain relief you can, and can't, achieve with a
shot of corticosteroids or anesthetics, as well as trigger point
injections and Botox.
Our no-strings, can't lose,
must-be-satisfied
guarantee!
You don't risk a penny to take good, long look at the new 2007 BACK
PAIN and OSTEOPOROSIS WHITE PAPER. You must be 100%convinced this is
essential information you can't do without, or you may return it when
your 30-day preview is up.
Frankly, it's hard to imagine how anyone would part with this
information from the nation's #1 hospital. But you decide once you see
it.
You don't have to take my word for it.
Just click below for your 30-day free preview of The Johns Hopkins
2007 BACK PAIN AND OSTEOPOROSIS WHITE PAPER. We will bill you later.
Or better yet, put it on your credit card and you can download your
FREE GIFT, Oh, My Aching Back!. Keep the free gift even if you decide,
for any reason, to return your WHITE PAPER.
To keep you on the cutting edge of diabetes research, we offer an
automatic annual update service to White Paper readers. That way, your
White Paper is always current, never out of date.
A card will be sent to you in advance and if you wish to examine the
next year's Johns Hopkins White Paper, do nothing and it will arrive
automatically with an invoice. If you don't wish to see the new White
Paper, simply return the card within 30 days. You may notify us at any
time if you don't want to continue in the program.
As I said, your complete satisfaction is fully guaranteed. This urgent
information belongs in your hands without another minute's delay.
https://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/johnshopkins/apps/custom/jh_sc_express_wrapper_1.php?prod_offer=email&prod_dir=/white_papers/back_pain_osteoporosis_wp&source=PBH_071004_004&stype=email"target="_blank"
PREVIEW NOW -- RISK FREE!
To your healthy future,
Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine and Biological Chemistry
Johns Hopkins Medicine
P.S. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.
If you aren't completely satisfied with your White Paper, simply
return it to us.
Don't miss this risk-FREE opportunity to take charge of your health.
Click the link below and we'll send you a preview of the Johns Hopkins
White Paper: Back Pain and Osteoporosis and pay by credit card and get
your FREE Special Report.
Click the link below right now!
https://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/johnshopkins/apps/custom/jh_sc_express_wrapper_1.php?prod_offer=email&prod_dir=/white_papers/back_pain_osteoporosis_wp&source=PBH_071004_004&stype=email"target="_blank"
PREVIEW NOW -- RISK FREE!
*******
Sarno-ize it!
Read chapter 4 of Dr. Sarno's "The Divided Mind." Also chapers 3, 4 and 5 in Dr. Scott Brady's "Pain Free For Life" are very important. |
|
|
|
lidge
USA
184 Posts |
Posted - 10/04/2007 : 16:45:26
|
After watching the 2020 segment on John Sarno, it describes TMS as
slowing of blood flow to the area which causes pain. This essentially is stress-induced. My question is this-
Can one get out of pain by using TMS knowledge, therapy etc if one still is experiencing stress? If one's body is in a stress state can one ever stop the pain just by mentally accepting the theory even if one still has various other stresses (either physical or emotional)?
Also, when Sarno says it is physically impossible for the various MRI findings to explain the pain, does this include neuropathic type pain where perhaps there is a minor abormality but there is pressing on a nerve? (I think I know the answer).
I know these seem like "you are still in denial" type questions but I'm struggling to "get it" and any feedback is appreciated. |
|
|
|
skizzik
USA
783 Posts |
Posted - 10/04/2007 : 17:45:02
|
hi lidge,
since you can't go anywhere for a bit , clik on Baseball65's profile and start reading his posts from earliest to now. He's an amazing writer, and after reading his posts for a few days, you'll be ahead of the game.
You'll see Dave's posts there as well.
Start here w/ bb65's success story:
http://www.tmshelp.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1836
Don't be discouraged if you don't get results as fast as BB65, I'm finding that after reading posts here as far back as '05 that many come in panicking, post like crazy, take a break, and post a year later w/ how much better their lives are.
|
|
|
|
shawnsmith
Czech Republic
2048 Posts |
Posted - 10/04/2007 : 19:52:36
|
quote:
Originally posted by lidge
Can one get out of pain by using TMS knowledge, therapy etc if one still is experiencing stress?
The short answer to your question is yes. For the most part it is not necessary to get out of stressful circumstances in order to recover. The goal is to see the link between your emotions and your pain.
For some it does help to move away from a stressful situation in order to help them, but this is most certainly not universal. In fact, I don't thik anyone would recover if that were a pre-equisite.
Shawn
*******
Sarno-ize it!
Read chapter 4 of Dr. Sarno's "The Divided Mind." Also chapers 3, 4 and 5 in Dr. Scott Brady's "Pain Free For Life" are very important. |
|
|
|
lidge
USA
184 Posts |
Posted - 10/05/2007 : 12:14:40
|
Thanks Shawn.
Just came back from another MRI and was told the second one I have set
for next week is twice as long. I'm losing it.
Question- Does Sarno believe that osteoarthritis is TMS equivalent?
Does he believe that no matter what your age or degenerative findings that one should not have pain from osteoarthritis?
I also wonder whether others who feel they have TMS have felt as I do when going to doctors etc. - that everyone else seems relatively good
compared to you? I always perceive myself to be more desperate, more in pain etc. I feel as if I am the only one not getting relief.
|
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
Stress and Back Pain: What's the Connection?
