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Worse symptoms

Discussion in 'Support Subforum' started by Bari2140, Jan 18, 2025.

  1. Bari2140

    Bari2140 Newcomer

    Hey friends,


    I’ve been dealing with neck and shoulder pain for the past 6 years. At first, it came and went, but for the past 3 years, it’s been constant—though usually not very painful, with only rare flare-ups.


    I discovered TMS about two months ago, and since then, I’ve already had three flare-ups, which is a lot more than I ever used to experience before.


    I’ve been consistently journaling for a month, practicing relaxation techniques, and doing somatic tracking. However, I’ve also noticed that my anxiety has increased, and overall, this issue has taken up much more space in my life than it did before I started the work.


    I’d love to hear your insights and advice :)
     
    Bari2140, Jan 18, 2025
    #1
  2. JanAtheCPA

    JanAtheCPA Beloved Grand Eagle

    Welcome to the forum @Bari2140. And I have good news for you - this sounds completely normal. I assume you've read at least one book by Dr Sarno? He calls this the Symptom Imperative, and it just means that your TMS brain mechanism is trying to get you to give up and go back to the way you were, living in fear and unaware of your repressed emotions. Obviously, the solution is to double down on your commitment to the program.

    The symptom imperative can show up as increased symptoms, new symptoms, old symptoms reappearing, and increased anxiety. Individuals prone to depression might also experience increased depression, but it's not necessary for that to happen because new knowledge and skills can fend it off.

    Speaking of programs and learning new skills, are you doing any kind of structured work? Our Structured Educational Program (SEP) or Alan's Pain Recovery program, the Unlearn Your Pain workbook by Dr Schubiner, the Curable app, or a program from Nicole Sachs. They are all good and either slightly different in focus or in structure.
     
    JanAtheCPA, Jan 18, 2025
    #2
  3. Bari2140

    Bari2140 Newcomer

    Thanks for your answer .

    im doing every day the jornal speak and somatic tracking and meditation, and also doing the prt workbook
     
    Bari2140, Jan 18, 2025
    #3

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