Author: John E. Sarno

“Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection” by Dr. John E. Sarno is a groundbreaking book that explores the psychological roots of chronic pain, particularly back pain. Here’s a detailed summary and some reviews:

Summary

Dr. Sarno introduces the concept of Tension Myoneural Syndrome (TMS), a condition where repressed emotions, such as stress, anxiety, and anger, manifest as physical pain. He argues that many cases of chronic back pain are not due to structural abnormalities but are instead caused by these psychological factors¹.

Key Points:

1. Repressed Emotions Cause Pain: Sarno explains that the brain creates pain as a distraction to avoid confronting repressed emotions. This pain is real but not caused by physical issues in the spine or muscles².
2. Mind-Body Connection: The book emphasizes the interconnectedness of the mind and body. Psychological stress can lead to physical symptoms, including back pain².
3. Case Histories: Sarno shares numerous case histories where patients overcame chronic pain by addressing their emotional issues. These stories illustrate the effectiveness of his approach³.
4. Practical Strategies: The book provides practical advice on how to recognize and address the emotional roots of TMS. This includes acknowledging repressed emotions and reducing stress².

Reviews

Goodreads: The book has a rating of 4.06 out of 5 based on over 6,000 ratings. Many readers praise it for providing a new perspective on chronic pain and for its practical advice. Some reviews highlight how the book helped them live pain-free without drugs or surgery¹.

Amazon: Readers on Amazon appreciate the book for its clear explanations and actionable steps. Many reviewers mention experiencing significant relief from chronic pain after applying Sarno’s principles5.

Criticism: Some critics argue that while the book is insightful, it may not apply to all types of back pain, especially those with a clear physical cause. Others feel that the psychological approach might be too simplistic for complex pain conditions¹.

Overall, “Healing Back Pain” is highly regarded for its innovative approach to understanding and treating chronic pain through the mind-body connection. If you’re interested in exploring how psychological factors can influence physical health, this book offers valuable insights and practical strategies.

Source:
(1) Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection by John E. Sarno – Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/144873.Healing_Back_Pain.
(2) Seven key lessons from “Healing Back Pain” by Dr. John Sarno. https://www.sarnoclinic.com/seven-key-lessons-from-healing-back-pain-by-dr-john-sarno/.
(3) Healing Back Pain : The Mind-Body Connection – Google Books. https://books.google.com/books/about/Healing_Back_Pain.html?id=MLM9PgAACAAJ.
(4) Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection – Amazon.ca. https://www.amazon.ca/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684.
(5) The Mindbody Prescription: Healing the Body, Healing the Pain – Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/361775.The_Mindbody_Prescription.
(6) goodreads.com. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/144873.Healing_Back_Pain.