Comment by eric_b | Hacker News Reader

Comment by eric_b | Hacker News Reader

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This article doesn't have one mention of TMS or the work that John Sarno did? That is borderline irresponsible.

Read "Healing Back Pain: The Mind Body Connection" by Jon Sarno.[1]

I lived with chronic knee pain for over 8 years, and would routinely have "carpal tunnel like symptoms" with my wrists.

Literally within a week of reading that book my knee pain was gone, and my wrists have not had any issues since. My personality type is exactly that described in the book, so it might not work for everyone. But boy howdy it worked for me.

[1] https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connectio...

Edit: As it relates to the article - Dr. Sarno attributes most of the pain to your brain and unconscious emotional rage. It sounds kind of quackish, but he lays out excellent explanations of how your brain works against you to cause this chronic pain. I was a skeptical as well (I won't give away spoilers but the treatment plan is HILARIOUSLY simple) but it has really worked for me.

I won't give away spoilers but the treatment plan is HILARIOUSLY simple

Seriously? This isn't a novel or TV show. That statement of yours just makes me think it is a scam.

The idea of Dr Sarno is not really in accordance with the scientific literature but it is indeed a very simple method and has worked like a charm for me, too. So I wouldn't say it's a scam. At worst, his method might turns out to be a placebo.

You may want to read up about "tension myositis syndrome" on Wikipedia:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_E._Sarno#Tension_myositis...

May or may not work for you, but once understood and accepted, it will help you. If you're a sufferer and skeptical, go to a library and read it in an afternoon, then buy it if it suits you.

I suffered a crushed vertebra last year and experienced horrendous back pain for many months. Sarno's book almost completely cured me of my pain and stiffness. I don't really understand why it works but it does. I would strongly urge anyone suffering chronic pain to read the Healing Back Pain book. Basic calisthenics and stretching has been very helpful too.

Long time sufferer. Read his work decades ago. Couldn't get the full effect of his methods but agree with it completely. Intensity, recurrence and duration are all lower but can't get rid of it altogether.

If you haven't already, try calisthenics to strengthen the core and regular stretching. I found these made a big difference in addition to the book.

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