I first learned about Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS), the name Dr. Sarno gave to this condition, in 1999 when Dr. Sarno appeared on Larry King Live. At that time, I had been suffering from chronic low back pain for a decade. I first developed it my junior year in college and had back pain off and on since. Because I was a military officer at the time when it was most severe, I was afforded exceptional healthcare and offered every possible treatment at the U.S. government's expense. However, no amount of treatment - physical therapy, chiropractic care, exercising/stretching, acupuncture, etc. - could free me of my debilitating pain. That is, until I discovered Dr. Sarno's diagnosis.

By the time I read Dr. Sarno's book, I had every known type of imagery done to determine the root of my low back pain - MRI, CT, X-ray, etc. Still, nothing was conclusive, so once I learned through Dr. Sarno's book the pain could simply be a phyiscal reaction to emotional pain, the diagnosis made perfect sense to me and was easy to believe. Within days of reading the book, I was cured. Amazing.

Unfortunately, I still have bouts with TMS, sometimes severe bouts. As such, I continue to seek out a permanent cure for my problem. Dr. Sarno's book helped me put the pain in perspective and regain control of my life. However, it has not been able to rid me of TMS all together. He suggests psychotherapy if TMS persists, but I live in South Korea and do not have that as an option. Nonetheless, I am at least relieved to know I haven't caused any real injury to my back. I can thus go about my business and simply manage the pain as it arrives. Thank you, Dr. Sarno, thank you.

Incidentally, before I close, I should mention many people rave about Fred Amir's book "Rapid Recovery from Back Pain". I too have that book, but I have not found it that helpful (see my review). Regardless, whatever answers you seek beyond this book, don't do so until you've started here. Dr. Sarno's book is the foundation for any further help you may seek.

REVIEW UPDATE: 15 JANUARY 2004

I am writing to reaffirm how wonderful this book truly is. I am very happy to report I have had literally no back pain in nearly two years now. None. My treatment? Nothing other than reading Dr. Sarno's book. That's it. Please, folks, do yourself a favor. Give this book a try. I exaggerate not when I say that reading this paperback alone can free you of pain forever. I'm living proof.


"A book cannot substitute for a doctor"   April 10, 2000
 36 out of 45 found this review helpful

In the words of Dr. Sarno, "A book cannot substitute for a doctor and it is not my intention to diagnose and treat through this book." I fear, however, that the arguments set forth are precisely the kind that would keep many people from seeking appropriate medical treatment for their back pain.

I speak from experience because I recently came within hours of death-from back pain.

Yes, back pain. I had a relatively rare condition that was misdiagnosed by many doctors for years. My symptoms seemed quite common. I spent lots of time in front of a computer and was usually stressed out. My posture suggested a classic case of "computer spine." I had tight muscles and didn't get enough sleep. I had a history of scoliosis. I had the personality characteristics common to TMS sufferers. And I had a tumor growing inside my spinal column.

I read Dr. Sarno's book more than once. Looking back, it is clear to me that I experienced a placebo effect from reading it. My pain never went away entirely, but I could make it go away enough that I was convinced it was all in my head. I thought I must have been in the five percent that has trouble letting go of the pain. I even managed to convince my doctors because they were open-minded, progressive thinkers-the kind of doctors we all wish we could have when we're in pain.

That is, until the tumor ruptured, bled into my cerebrospinal fluid and caused a near deadly increase in pressure on my brain. Fortunately, the tumor was benign and was successfully removed, but not without much unnecessary pain and suffering. My back pain is now gone and I don't expect it back. It had nothing whatsoever to do with my mind.

Let the buyer of this book beware. Don't try to diagnose yourself. I think Dr. Sarno's approach probably works for a lot of people, but it wasn't right for me. If the Sarno method works for you, God bless you and Dr. Sarno. If it doesn't seem to be working, keep talking to your doctors and don't be too quick to assume that it's all in your head. In Dr. Sarno's own words, "Pain syndromes must always be properly studied to rule out serious disorders such as cancer, tumors, bone disease and many other conditions."