I am new!

and struggling as having an entirely new pain flare up. Started as lower back and moved to sciatica which I am finding totally debilitating. I have never had this before. Could it be because I am starting this journey and does anyone have any advice? I am treating it physically as am in so much pain - I have tried the 'I am safe' concept of somatic tracking but it is consistently getting worse. Any advice gratefully received! Thank you

 

Hi, Caro!
Yes, TMS often gets worse before it gets better, I hate to say. That’s because it doesn’t want to give up “protecting you.” This is going to be a battle for control. And you’ll have to stick with it. Are you reading any books by Sarno? Healing Back Pain would be a good book for you.

 

@Caro65 I am relatively new, as well, and have been working on TMS for about a month now. Things definitely got worse nearly right away and I had a really big setback weekend about 2 weeks in. Really, really tough. But then I've had big progress...I think this is just part of the process. Your body *will* resist the work. That's okay. Soon you will start to have some experiences of the TMS techniques working and that will boost your confidence. But you can't jump ahead...you have to go through it. Try not to be discouraged! Or be discouraged, even, but don't give up. Take it easy if you have to, it's okay.

 

Thank you so much - that is SO encouraging. I really appreciate you taking the time to reply so thoughtfully.

 

Same here. It is very disheartening to feel worse when you start out. I would come to the forum to ask this same question. But it is so common and you just need to tell yourself that it is not forever. Your nervous system is trying so hard to protect you right now. It just needs to be shown that you are ok!! You had mentioned "somatic tracking." It is such a great tool-but I heard that when you are in really bad pain it could be counterproductive to use it. Your brain is on high alert right now as it and then to focus on the pain may make it hurt more. I don't remember where I heard that-maybe Alan Gordon said this. So just keep that in mind if you are in bad pain. Maybe some deep breaths or focusing on something you enjoy may help show your nervous system that you are fine and get through this "extinction burst".

 

You are so right! Yes I have the Sarno and should revisit as read it years ago but clearly did not implement anything - thank you for the suggestion./

 

That sounds excellent advice and I did not know that about the somatic tracking so thank you. Distraction does help you are right but I am only comfortable when upright and moving (no bending) and it is exhausting! Thank you for the advice and support.