hope back

Hope: a welcome companion for an aching back

by Barry Bittman, MD

For some, life’s journey is a lonely and painful one. When faced with the pressures and stresses of daily living, we tend to walk it alone, supporting, and sometimes caving into the burdens on our shoulders and on our backs.

Then life throws us a curve with resultant stress that exceeds our capacity to manage our plight. Overwhelmed and frustrated, we surrender to hopelessness. Then “dis-ease” sets in.

As a physician, I often ponder the origins of our suffering. It is well-established that the majority of patient visits to physicians are associated with an underlying emotional component. This does not imply that these symptoms are in one’s mind, or that the syndrome is a mere fabrication. Rather, it suggests that the stresses in our lives become the triggering factors for many illnesses. The biology that predictably occurs as a result of stress alters the delicate internal balance that determines our health.

An interesting example surfaced recently through an interview with John Stossel of ABC News. It documented one doctor’s unique approach for ongoing, and often debilitating back pain. A number of individuals were interviewed who had been suffering from intense back pain on a long term basis. They had seen multiple physicians, and had been treated with traditional approaches such as pain killers, anti-inflammatory agents, cortisone injections, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, and eventually, surgery. Many had also resorted to alternative approaches including herbal medicine, acupuncture, acupressure, shiatsu, and homeopathy. Some stopped exercising, while others stopped working. None experienced significant relief. All were frustrated.

One individual reported asking her doctor, “What should I try?” After reviewing her history, x-rays and MRI, he responded, “Looks like you’ve tried everything.”

That ominous statement served to eliminate the one element the patient needed to rid herself of pain. And it was precisely that factor which finally helped her. It wasn’t technology, nor was it a new procedure or pill¾ it was hope.

Yes, these individuals are now living without pain based upon a unique approach from Dr. John Sarno, professor of Rehabilitative Medicine at New York University hospital.

During the interview with Stossel, Dr. Sarno discussed what he referred to as “normal abnormalities,” such as bulging discs that are often considered the culprits in chronic back pain. These are typically seen in many individuals who have never experienced pain in their lives. He carefully explained that there is absolutely no correlation between the majority of such findings and pain.

You’re probably wondering how Dr. Sarno helps his patients, some of whom are well-known celebrities, including Howard Stern and Stossel, himself. His approach is simply to talk to his patients, often through group discussions. He explains that while back pain is real, the underlying cause is often in the person’s mind.

Sarno focuses on the mind-body connection, and presents back pain in terms of fear or anger that redirects blood flow in a manner that leads to pain. He provides information to help individuals uncover, and deal with issues that promote pain. Foremost, he reestablishes a sense of hope.

As a physician who has advocated these approaches for my patients over the years, I am pleased to know that many people are now aware of Dr. Sarno’s work. His book, Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection is currently one of the best sellers on Amazon.com, where numerous reviews document dramatic changes in the lives of people who have used his approach. Of additional interest is the fact that John Stossel, himself, is a believer. He credits Sarno for finally relieving his own chronic back condition that had been plaguing him for years.

While some may be skeptical, consider the down-side of Sarno’s work, if you can find it. Frankly, there are no side effects. His approach does not deter individuals from seeking conventional medical care. In fact, practically all of his patients have failed with countless other approaches.

Ultimately, harnessing the power of the mind-body connection may be precisely what you need in order to get your life back on track. Considering you have nothing to lose other than the cost of a book, why not give it a try? Remember, even when there’s no apparent remedy in sight, never give up! There is always hope¾ Mind Over Matter!