TMS pain treatment
What is TMS, Tension Myoneural Syndrome?
TMS is a pain syndrome that originates from our emotions. The term was coined by Dr. John Sarno M.D. in order to describe a pain syndrome he discovered.
Dr. Sarno treated thousands of patients and pain sufferers in New York as a specialist for rehabilitation medicine. In TMS the person may suffer from pain, numbness, loss of muscular tone and other symptoms of the orthopedic system, however these symptoms arise not out of a structural abnormality, but rather from emotional reasons. These genuine physical symptoms- according to Dr. Srano- arise typically from stressful life events, unconscious emotions and past trauma (examples are loss of a loved person, grief, change in marital status, financial difficulties, major changes in life and many more).
Some medical doctors estimate that approximately 10-15% of patients who suffer from pain, have TMS. Considering the fact that pain is a leading cause for doctor’s office visits, the numbers of patients who suffer from it is probably pretty high. However, due to the low level of awareness to the diagnosis, many patients remain undiagnosed and therefore receive ineffective treatments, and continue unfortunately to suffer.
What are the symptoms of TMS (Tension Myositis Syndrome)?
The symptoms are numerous and quite varied. Since TMS involves mostly muscle, nerve and tendon tissue in the body, almost any part of the body could be affected. A few of the more common manifestations are:
- Chronic and recurrent back pain
- Chronic neck pain
- Pain that radiates to a leg or arm
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendonitis of the elbow (tennis elbow, golf elbow)
- Knee pain
- Achilles tendonitis (pain and inflammation of the Achilles tendon)
- Weakness, numbness, loss of sensation or diminished reflex reactions in the arms and/or legs
- It is important to notice that TMS symptoms may closely resemble a herniated or protruding disc symptoms, various inflammations symptoms, and other symptoms that stem from structural abnormalities (Spondylolisthesis, Spondylolisis, Spinal stenosis and many more).
According to Dr. Sarno and the general medical literature there are many other medical conditions that may be referred to as synonyms of TMS, among those are: Migraine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Fibromyalgia, Irritable bladder (frequent need to urinate without signs of a bladder inflammation), ringing in the ears (Tinnitus), sleep cycple disturbances, Anxiety and more.
Who suffers from TMS?
In reality anyone could suffer from TMS. The problem is widespread and is caused by the pressures of daily living, unexpressed or unconscious emotions and past or childhood traumas. It renders much of us susceptible to this common syndrome. Dr. Sarno states however, that experience showed that people who are perfectionist, good-doers, and yielding are more susceptible to develop TMS.
How is TMS diagnosed?
It is important to notice that TMS is a medical diagnosis, and therefore should be diagnosed by a Medical Doctor or a certified health practitioner (HP). Serious and dangerous reasons for the symptoms should be ruled out and excluded (for instance: a tumor or malignancy, inflammatory arthritis, fracture or sprains etc.). Imaging studies as well as other medical examinations should be performed fully.
The diagnosis includes a physical medical examination to establish correlation between findings in imaging studies and symptoms. In case of inconsistency or a partial correlation between the two, TMS could be suspected. In addition, a thorough review of past ailments and diseases is performed, as well as an emotionally oriented anamnesis in order to gain insight into triggers for TMS originated symptoms.
After all of the above is performed, and while taking into account physical findings, lab and imaging results, personal medical history and emotional factors, a diagnosis of TMS could be established.
How is TMS treated effectively?
Since TMS is a pain syndrome that originates from our emotions, successfully treating it is enabled through addressing those issues consciously. Furthermore knowledge of the physiology and psychology of TMS and acceptance of the validity of the diagnosis are key factors in initiating a curative response. The treatment is highly effective, and produces sustainable long lasting results for the vast majority of patients. Here you could read more about healing processes of people who recovered from TMS.
If you think you may suffer from TMS, and would like to schedule an appointment for the diagnosis and treatment, please contact us by email or Whatsapp: clinic.drbrosh@gmail.com, Whatsapp +972-543929799