Derek S. twisted vsrtebrae

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Question

I've been diagnosed with a twisted vertebrae at L5.
Is this what Dr Sarno would consider an "normal abnormality" or is this an actual problem that needs to be addressed.
I was convinced I had TMS, and doing everything I've learned, and it seemed to be making a positive difference. Nothing huge, but I was not in pain all the time.
I was seeing a naturopath about my anxiety and back pain. She brought in a physical therapist who checked me out and made the twisted vertebrae diagnosis. Now she wants to see me for the next 4 weeks to see if she can manipulate the vertebrae back into place. Since I last saw her, a week ago, I've lost my complete confidence in believing I have TMS, and now I'm in pain most of the time.
Can you give me any advice?
Thanks,
LC

 

Answer

I would take this "diagnosis" with a boulder of salt. I am not even sure what a "twisted vertebrae" is, to be honest. Spinal curvature is diagnosed as scoliosis (which doesn't necessarily cause back pain either). I take issue with a physical therapist making a diagnosis that is quasi-medical at best.

Yes, this is exactly what Sarno would have called a normal abnormality. Whatever pain you are having is probably due to muscular tension rather than any structural deficiency.

It sounds like you were approaching this as TMS and got thrown off the path by this new "diagnosis." And you were making progress to boot! TMS recovery is not always an instant fix so stay the course. You are the consumer in your medical care and you have the right to choose your path to wellness. With back pain, there are plenty of conflicting philosophies about how to navigate that path. Trust in the TMS recovery process and find your belief again. It has to be strong enough to drown out all of the competing noise.

-Derek

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