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Mayita
Spain
29 Posts |
 Posted - 09/04/2011 : 09:16:14
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Hello,
I am new to this Forum and feel very lucky to have found it.
It was so surprising to realize that I am not the only one suffering from this and all your info is so helpful!
I have been suffering chronic low back pain for the last 4 years. It all started when playing tennis.
I tried to make a normal life but the pain came back after increasing sports activity.
Initially the diagnostics was a protrusion.I had minor surgey (innecesary I think now), but the pain did not go away.
Howeve, the last RMN show a normal column that would not justify my pain and lack of mobility.
I have attended Phisiotherapy and Osteopatic treatment with some relief but when I tried to increase my activity the pain came back.
For the first 3 years the pain was focused on the right side (L-4, L-5), but since last year it moved to the left side being the right one now the "good" side.
For some periods I was able to do some exercises on a mat (I used to practice Pilates and Yoga before this pain appeared while playing tennis so I was fammiliarised with working out and stretching).
But for the last months every time I start to do these exercises, my muscles get irritated and I can hardly move for a couple of days so I get sad and doubt if I was doing the right thing.
2 years ago, after a good period with phisiotherapy and exercisrs I was able to swim and I was the happiest girl in the world but this has not happened back since then.
A doctor in the Pain Speciaņised Unit suggested that all might have a psychological origin, at that moment I felt lost in uncertainty.
I am from Spain an had not heard about TMS before.
I just finished Sarno's book But definitely I think I have TMS.I have ordered Dr. Schubiner's book now and started journaling.
Would you have any additional advice?
As I said, I lost weight and my muscles are very week. Should I keep trying physical activity despite the potential aftermates? This pain then makes me feel terribly frustrated...
Thanks a ton!
All the best!! |
Edited by - Mayita on 09/04/2011 16:14:10 |
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Dave
USA
1864 Posts |
Posted - 09/04/2011 : 11:03:37
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I strongly suggest you read (repeatedly) The Mindbody Connection by Dr. Sarno.
Your story sounds typical for someone who has TMS.
The fact that a medical doctor suggested psychoanalysis means they agree there is an emotional aspect to your pain. This is atypical, at least in the US. I do not know why you are so quick to dismiss the idea. Perhaps you are dealing with a lot of psychological pain that you are avoiding and refuse to face up to. The pain provides a convenient distraction for you to focus on, so that you do not have to deal with difficult emotional issues that you may be repressing.
If you think you have TMS then you must also commit to the work necessary to get better. This means to cease all physical treatments and focus on the psychological triggers. |
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Mayita
Spain
29 Posts |
Posted - 09/04/2011 : 12:25:09
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Hello Dave!
Thank you so much for your kind answer.
Yes I accept that now it is my brain and emotions the ones to take care of and workabout.
I meant that a good friend said that I should go for cognitive therapy since psycoannalysis is a long term therapy and maybe not the help that I need at short term..
Every psychology I have spoken to has tried to put me off about this kind of therapy... the same way Sarno says that Freud and his theories are not highly appraised today...
I am now reading the mind- body connection!
Thanks for your support! |
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art
1903 Posts |
Posted - 09/04/2011 : 15:41:22
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No opinion on the therapy except to say I understand how that might sound overwhelming at this stage.
Absolutely read the book (s). Ask lots of questions as they occur to you. You can easily get your life back, perhaps much more quickly than you think possible. To break it down to the simplest terms, all that's really required is an understanding that your pain does not stem from physical issues...Such an understanding is very often sufficient to reduce or eliminate pain. |
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Mayita
Spain
29 Posts |
Posted - 09/04/2011 : 16:22:23
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Hello Art!
Thank you so much for your words.
I am now on stage I with the Mindbody prescription and have fully understood and accepted the psychsomatic nature of my pain.
My question is: when muscles are sore due to lack of oxygen, if I make them work... I feel worse... or is this a conditioned response?
I can say that FEAR is playing a major role in my limited life, all the fear, bad memories and so on..
I know I have to work on that but would like to find a good therapist who is amiliar with all this.
Good Luck! |
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Mayita
Spain
29 Posts |
Posted - 09/04/2011 : 16:23:51
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Hello Art!
Thank you so much for your words.
I am now on stage I with the Mindbody prescription and have fully understood and accepted the psychsomatic nature of my pain.
My question is: when muscles are sore due to lack of oxygen, if I make them work... I feel worse... or is this a conditioned response?
I can say that FEAR is playing a major role in my limited life, all the fear, bad memories and so on..
I know I have to work on that but would like to find a good therapist who is amiliar with all this.
Good Luck! |
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art
1903 Posts |
Posted - 09/05/2011 : 09:52:50
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You've got a good grasp of this stuff already. What's crucial to understand is that it's fear that keep your symptoms alive. You already have that insight, which is great.
True acceptance automatically eliminates fear. When you fear goes, your pain will go.
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Hello Everyone!
