Alex B. Pain caused by chiropractic manipulation

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Question

Anyone on this planet EVER experienced these unique lower back symptoms described explicitly by Dr. Sarno in his book The Mind Body Prescription that I have suffered with the last 10 years?
In Chapter 3, p.58, Dr. Sarno lists low back manifestations and amazingly he describes my EXACT pain symptoms that I have suffered after a chiropractic manipulation which scared me to death (likely one of the TMS causes).
The chiropractor did a thrust on my L5-S1 joint NOT KNOWING that I had a Grade 1 spondyloloisthesis. I had NEVER heard of such a condition but I feared that the chiro had ruined me for LIFE, literally!! Two surgeries later, unsuccessful , including fusion, I STILL have this horrible symptom, starting when I first become conscious in the morning and does not stop. I also became addicted to pain pills as a result. But enough...
Sarno writes:

"Infrequently, the muscles that form the floor of the pelvis, in the area known as the perineum (between the genital organs in the front and the anal opening in the back), are the site of TMS. This is usually frightening to the patient and puzzling to the doctor, but is no cause for concern, since it is a classic manifestation of TMS".

I wanted to cry when I actually read my area of pain that NO ONE had/has a clue! I have NEVER spoken with any physician, therapist, or even any other person who has any idea what my pain is since the chiro incident.
"No concern to the patient...!??
Please anyone? I need confirmation!

 

Answer

Hi there,

It can be very powerful to learn about different ways of interpreting one's symptoms and it certainly seems like Dr. Sarno's explanation has clicked with you. Very good news indeed. What I can tell you is that both I and my colleagues at the Pain Psychology Center have worked with a number of clients who have suffered from this particular symptom, so you are indeed in good company. In addition, many people will suffer symptoms after having an adjustment as it can generate the kind of fear that reinforces and perpetuates TMS symptoms.

Speaking of fear, when Sarno says the pain is "no cause for concern" he is referring to the fear that the pain triggers. In other words, once you understand that the pain is caused by TMS, you can begin to address the fear around the symptom by reminding yourself that you don't have to be concerned with it because it is explained by TMS rather than a structural issue with the body. By addressing this fear and working to dissipate it you can retrain your mind and the pain will follow.

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