Mind Over Back Pain: A Radically New Approach to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Back Pain Mass Market Paperback – International Edition, April 1, 1986

i read this book in one afternoon. I have been suffering for lower back pain for 7 years. I had surgery for a ruptured disc at L5/S1, and MRIs showing that the L4/L5 is now bulging. Schmorl's nodules, spinal sthenosis, SI dysfunction. I had injections with cortisone in my SI. I am listing these things to show that my pain was 'real' and I was sure it was. I spent a lot of money on massage, exercise, and books. Carey method, Dorn method, Alexander method, MBT shoes... oh and lots of cyclobenzaprine. A friend suggested I read this book and mostly out of desperation I gave it a try. I could not pick up my daughter, could not do sports, and in order to put on my socks in the morning I had to lean back in bed so that my knees would come up and I could reach my feet. I am sure I forgot some of the treatments I tried through the years. I still have part of my right foot numb from the surgery, but the surgery helped for a while. Then it started hurting again. In any case, I read this book three weeks ago. I actually ordered three of his books and leafed through them at random. This book does not say your pain is in your head. It only says that your subconscious is so sneaky, that for a variety of reasons, which he goes onto explaining, is creating the physical conditions for your pain. I am very suspicious of Freud and make references to him mostly in jokes (freudian slip is when you say something and you mean your mother...). So I have absolutely no explanation for the fact that I started playing squash and running again. Every morning I get out of bed I have a moment of apprehension waiting for the pain, and then realize I have no pain. I do not know and I do not care if it is placebo, hypnosis, self-suggestion... whatever it is, I have no pain. I do feel some pangs ever now and then I remind myself dr. Sarno's principles, and the pain goes away. If you tried everything and you still hurt, why not give this a try?

Dr. Sarno’s theory on how the mind creates tension in the back (now to include body) in the 80’s is now been proving scientifically in present day. This was an eye opening book to start in my back healing journey.Big pharma & healthcare have strayed from connecting the mind to physical symptoms.A must read if you suffer from lower back pain!!

Received the book and the type was so small I needed to use a Magnifier on it. I should’ve looked at the actual size when I was ordering. The theories in his book are interesting and a few have been proven out over the last decade. Interesting read.

No sure what I thought about contents but interesting idea.

Three stars. I agree with the concept, but...First of all, I am completely on board in agreeing with the mind-body connection and how our brains learn and develop neural pathways (neuroplasticity) and that our thinking patterns can have a huge effect on our health and pain. However, I purchased this book hoping it would give some insights and exercises that I could do on my own to help me with chronic pain and to help others in my family. I read each chapter hoping for this, and then got to the last chapter which is entitled “Chapter 5 The Treatment of TMS.” I thought finally this would give me what I was looking for. Nope! It seems I would need to contact his clinic to get any helpful exercises to help me apply the theory. This book is full of his experiences helping people with their pain but stops short of telling you how they were helped or how they applied his theory. You may find the anecdotal stories helpful to help you believe or reinforce your belief in the mind-body connection, but there is absolutely no information of how to apply the theory in this book. I want something practical that I can apply. I already believe in the mind-body connection.

If you are suffering from chronic back pain-or any other pain for that matter, this book is priceless. I don't care what your doctor diagnosed you with-you MUST read this book before going in for treatment and/or surgery. I had terrible hip pain from golf that made me limp and would not go away. I was shocked after reading this book how the pain just disappeared! When you gain an understanding as to the nature of pain it changes everything. This book does not tell you your pain in psychosomatic, on the contrary. It enlightens you as to why injury pain overstays and why chronic pain manifests and persists. It's amazing how all of this works. Even if you are skeptical as 2 people I know who refused to read it, take a chance. You have nothing to lose but chronic pain. You will be so happy you did. This book totally worth reading.

This has helped me get control over more than a decade of back pain that resulted from two very serious injuries that started the whole thing.It is a very easy read. It does NOT go into depth on the treatment program Dr Sarno's patients underwent in his Office and Program. Touches on it high level. Still, it offers enough guidance so one may identify some of the factors (i.e.; stress, anger, anxiety, perfectionism, etc.) that may be contributing to the Syndrome, if indeed you are suffering from this. It also explains clearly, what is occurring between the Brain, the conscious, subconscious and the unconscious. As Dr Sarno explains, for many, just being armed with the knowledge of what is happening, is enough to break the chain of events. It certainly was for me. I am a scientific-minded person and although this was an alternate or non-traditional path, it does make sense.Reading this felt like Dr Sarno was speaking to me personally. Answered darn near every question that sprang to mind. I put into practice what I read and I am happy to report that my nightmare is almost over.Bless those who are continuing and expanding on Dr Sarno's work and may you also be blessed with the healing you are seeking by reading it.

Mind blowing!

I wish more people would know about Dr Sarno. My severe backpack slowly but steadily goes away. Because I really believe Dr Sarnos "theory ". He truly was a Genius.

Il libro é super consigliato, dovrebbero leggerlo soprattutto i dottori.Pur avendo qualche decennio, questo libro é avanti di almeno 100 anni rispetto ai dottori e alla loro mentalità, almeno per quanto riguarda l'Italia.

Really liked this book and appreciated a new approach to managing back pain as well as other conditions.

Brilliant! Despite his voice and intonation, it is well worth persevering with. I experienced less back pain for a while. I am about to use again as it makes a real difference and is only 10 minutes a day max.