Mind Over Back Pain: A Radically New Approach to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Back Pain

by John E. Sarno

Book Overview

This is the book that has given thousands of sufferers new hope--a gentle, effective way to find real relief from back pain, without painkillers, without surgery, without spending days on end in... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425087417
• ISBN13: 9780425087411
• Release Date: April 1986
• Publisher: Berkley Books
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.17 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 4.2" x 6.9"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

You can lead a horse to water...

I bought this book a few years ago after a friend recommended it to me. I had back pain daily for about a year after doing some serious remodeling on my house. Eventually I went to see my doctor who took an XRAY of my lower back and prescribed Physical Therapy. The XRAY was normal, but I wasn't getting better after a month of PT. I was getting depressed about it, and was wondering if I would have to get surgery for relief (Please don't get surgery without seeking as much info about it as possible). An MRI was done just about the time I had finished reading the book. The MRI showed mild disc bulging in the L4-L5 space, but nothing that wouldn't be considered normal wear and tear, as confirmed by my physician. Once I got this assurance via the MRI and after reading the book, my back pain went away within a week...completely gone. Does this not sound like a mind body connection? Since that time, I have had some transient back soreness every once and a while, which is expected since I am an active guy who has never been very good at keeping good posture or kicking back on my days off. But since taking ownership of my back pain and adopting a multi-disciplined philosophy, one of which is Dr Sarno's, I have come to a better understanding the source of my back pain and how I can best prevent it from happening. For example, the exercises/ principles taught by my physical therapist were valuable and I try to incorporate them into my lifestyle. I also try to incorporate Dr Sarno's philosophy of the mind-body connection to understand that my actions/ emotions can have an impact on the health of my body. I am a classic case of someone who gets stressed easily and tenses up without even realizing it, until my back muscles tell me I need to relax. The pain is real. The pain is not "in your head" as some people have misinterpreted from Dr Sarno's book. Basically, you have to come to terms with your own body. It is your body, and you can have a strong influence over it's well being through your emotions and behavior. I don't know how else to make this any clearer. Don't give up! Giving up is not a solution to a probelm that rests with you.

The Most Important Book I Have Ever Read

I hate to be overly dramatic here, but this guy and this book pretty much saved my mental health. I had been a very active person, running, lifting weights, etc., when I got hit with wicked back pain and sciatica. I was diagnosed with three herniated discs and was told I would probably never run again. I saw every specialist I could in traditional medicine and non-traditional medicine including physitrists, chriropractors, orthopedist's and acupuncturists. NOTHING worked and I was beyond miserable. The pain got so bad that just slowly walking up and down hills brought on severe sciatic symptoms. I read Sarno's book prepared for some kind of new age touchy feely stuff which I hate, so I was really prepared to resent the book. Surprisingly, it all made sense. It was factual, not conceptual. I really responded to that and within six weeks, I was completley pain-free. This has been over three years ago, and I have not had to miss a day of exercise since. I am back to running, lifting, etc. with no repercussions. Every now and then, I feel a twinge in my back, but I chalk it up to TMS and it usually goes away within hours. I love this guy and I love this book. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but if it works for you, you'll never go back to drinking coffee.

AMAZING

I have suffered from back pain and siatica for 10 months. A friend bought me this book for Christmas. As I read it, my pain literally vanished (and on a bus ride, sitting in a seat that should have put me in a wheelchair according to my PT). It sounds too good to be true, but it is true. Buy this book...what have you got to lose?

HEALED FOREVER

Yes, healed forever due to the words of wisdom from a very wise man, John Sarno. He is leap years ahead of medicine and it is very sad that this is true. I once had the excruciating leg and back pain, numbness and tingling and just was fed up and ready for surgery. But I gave it a shot, read 2 of his books and POOF--THE PAIN WAS GONE and it was like a miracle. I have tried to spread the word to others that are in Chronic Pain, but the funny thing is, they get very angry with my views, so I feel bad for them because they will continue to suffer and look for answers like surgery, mophene pumps and cortisone shots. Oh well, if I have helped one person in my life, then it was worth it! Good luck to all you pain sufferers I hope you believe in Sarno's wisdom over your orthopedic surgeon because with Sarno, you can have permanent pain dessimated forever!

It's a miracle!!!

I don't usually find any wish to comment publically on books or films etc. But I think when something affects your life so much, you want to express it! I have had increasing back pain for three years. A year ago it spread into my arms, wrists and hands. My doctor called this 'Repetitive Stress Injury' (RSI) and possible 'Carpal Tunnel Syndrome'. As I am a computer operator, this was devistating news. I was offered a promotion then the offer was withdrawn because of my problem. In desperation I tried Physiotherapy, Reiki healing, massage, anti-infammatory drugs, constant exercises, splints on my arm, sleeping on the floor. I am 28 and it was ruining my life and making me depressed. Then I read Sarno's book. Within 2 days my back pain had virtually gone, and within a couple of weeks my arm pain was almost completely gone, and I have since had less and less pain. I still work on a computer 80% of the time with no pain. The Doctor told me to only do an hour a day. I want to thank Dr Sarno. His clear, easily accessible, easy to understand style of writing has cured me! It does seem unbelievable before you read the book that simply reading can cure so much pain, but it really does work! I almost can't believe it myself!! If you suffer, I urge you to give this book a try.Sam