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I think it's unfortunate when people ignore the possibility of psychosomatic symptoms, but even more dangerous when they attribute every issue to it. It should be a tool in the toolbox, a possible explanation/approach to ailments that are sometimes simple and singular but often times complex and multi-faceted. My N=1: I have chronic back issues. At best it's general tightness and fatigue, but can also be sore and painful. In particular I had two incidents in 2011 (in a matter of seconds) and 2012 (over a couple days) where my back spasmed and left me crippled, unable to move without knife-stabbing pains and unable walk down hallways without holding onto a wall. Both lasted almost a month, and were followed by months of heightened soreness. I was 23/24 at the time, with no preexisting health issues. I'm a regular runner and in great health otherwise. I tried to fix this with deep tissue massage and core/strengthening regimens, and largely those helped keep the pain levels down but really only halved the symptoms at best. A friend had been recommending Sarno's 'A Divided Mind' which is all about the psychosomatic diagnosis since the first incident, but I had dismissed it. Finally in 2013, as I felt a new round of the spasms coming, I gave it a shot. Lo and behold, it became the single most effective tool I've found to manage my back issues. I identified that each spasm came with a major emotionally loaded event. In 2011 it was unrealistic pressure to compete at a big running race I had been training for. In 2012 it was participating in the search and rescue for a dear friend who was lost (and died) in the wilderness. In 2013 it was a nasty falling out with my best friend (and brother) at the time. I don't believe the mechanisms are fully understood, and I think Sarno in particular does too much hand waving. But using his approach was the first time in years that I had no discernible back issues. I liken it to getting butterflies in your stomach. Your mind and emotions can trigger physiological changes to blood vessels, nerves, muscles, etc. that in turn can cause real issues. I also don't believe it's the only factor. I started an office job in 2015, and back issues have come back that I attribute 100% to the office lifestyle. I've found no relief with the psychosomatic approach, but do better with a sit/stand desk, breaks, and daily exercise. Overall, I think a ton of people could benefit from approaching health issues from a psychosomatic perspective as one of many possible diagnoses. I also agree there are so many other possibilities that assuming it is always in your head is ignorant, neglectful, and downright dangerous. |
15 years later, no fusion, no wheelchair.
This is what I did and do:
1. Educate myself a. search: stuart mcgill waterloo university. b. Understand spinal stability and core excercises c. Walk! not stroll! (i do 6 miles at least 3 times a week. Sitting is the new Smoking! 2. Listen to your body! I have learned to recognise that my back is close to a traumatic event. 3. When my back goes out, a short rest, but keep moving. 4. Fully understand that excercising will cause irritation, but it is tolerable versus when my back goes out. 5. Medications: Soma, flexeril, and tramadol (NSAIDs such as ibuprohen trash my GI) After an event, I take the Soma and tramadol to help me keep moving. Daytime, they both will keep me awake. At night, flexeril. It works best on muscle spasms which exhausts the muscles which leads to pain. And it puts me to sleep. I will use these meds for a short period of time every 5-6 months! 6. Streching and doing it correctly is very important. 7. Getting out of a chair, use your legs! DO NOT lean forward to pull yourself upright! 8. You may want to wear a simple lifting belt. Not for support but to remind yourself not to put your lower back in a stressfull position. 9. Understand that "correct" posture sitting may not be a good idea for long periods of time. 10. If the problem is the lower back, educate yourself on the function and stretching of the Psoas muscle. It is a fast twitch muscle, and sitting contracts the muscle. Quick and sudden contraction puts tremendous pressure on the discs. 11. Try to keep your spine in its natural position, maintaining symmetry is critical. Yeah, it is uncomfortable, but the lack of symmetry will impede recovery. 12. If you have imaging done, demand copies on a CD. This will help you to seek additional opinions.