Tension Myositis Syndrome: What helped you?

I just finished reading Sarno’s book The Mind/Body connection. The basic principles make sense although I’m not convinced that repressed rage is the cause of my chronic pain. I found the YouTube video “Central Sensitization” by Dr Christopher Sletten of Mayo pain rehabilitation very helpful in understanding the mind/ body connections to chronic pain. It has been recommended in previous posts.

I just saw it for the first time this week and felt so validated… I’ve heard mixed reviews on the book you mentioned. I’ve been soaking up podcasts to continue to understand my diagnosis of functional neurological disorder and cannot wait to head back to Mayo so soon for next steps.

Angie: Thank you for the reply. Yes, the Mayo video was very affirming. I’ve watched it several times. Another good podcast is the Ezra Klein show from February 21st with Rachel Zoffness, a pain psychologist at U of California medical school. I’d love to hear any recommendations of other podcasts you found beneficial. We have to go on living our lives despite the pain. Good luck.

Yes, I met and was treated by Dr. Sarno at the Rusk Institute in New York. Part of the process is based in "journaling" which is picking a topic such as "My Job" and writing about it and what makes you angry or anxious about it. I've also been treated by practitioners who worked with Dr. Sarno or were versed in his teachings.
It does feel good to get your repressed rage out in the open whether it is by talking about it to a professional who can guide you on how to deal with it and/or through journaling. In my case, my pain is due to peripheral neuropathy ,shown through nerve testing. That said, it is very important not to dwell endlessly on the pain and to force yourself to get back to everyday activities as much as possible. Deep breathing exercises such as breathing in deeply for a count of 7, holding it for a count of 5 and exhaling is very calming. And, don't forget to do the thing you enjoy even though you may not be able to do them as fully as you'd like. Distraction helps to break the pain cycle.

This one was validating!

How to find guidance / a counselor

I'm a resident of rural Virginia and have had constant painful headaches / facial pain since June 2014. I have come to understand that it is psychosomatic and probably Tension Myositis Syndrome and I've identified the source of the tension. I'm reading the books of John Sarno MD and I want to get connected with a knowledgable specialist who understands this condition. How do I find such a person? Does Mayo Clinic have such people on staff who I can chat with or have a telemedicine session with? WBC

Hi @wbc. Because you mention tension myositis syndrome and Dr. Sarno, I moved your question to this existing discussion:
- Tension Myositis Syndrome: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tms-1/

I did this so you can read previous helpful posts and connect easily with fellow members like @janeym @callalloo @jan33 @maryesparkle @angieleigh @berniep and @rwinney.

@westcom also mentions this video by Mayo Clinic's Dr. Christopher Sletten talking about Central Sensitization and the Pain Rehab Center at Mayo Clinic.

@wbc, you ask about finding a counselor or guidance. I'm sure other members will offer suggestions. Should you wish to seek help from Mayo Clinic or consider its Pain Rehab program, you can start by inquiring here: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

The Way Out is another book that follows up from the Sarno book.

Thanks Janeym I'll look that one up. This morning I did find something that I'm not sure that all us have seen and that's to go on to YouTube and search for Dr. Sarno and Tension Myositis Syndrome. There are several lectures by various specialists and one who says he is Dr Sarno (looks too young).

A couple of days ago after reading the first few pages of The Divided Mind, I felt a brief flutter of real relief which in itself proves to me that there is nothing physical. Put a short little spring in my step.

Eager to learn the next steps.

Are you back to 100% ?

No not 100%. But functionally much better! Back to taking care of myself and my volunteering and socializing. Have not returned work yet but hoping soon. Pain still there but feels much less strong but still have to pace myself. Good luck.