John E. Sarno

John E. Sarno (June 23, 1923 – June 22, 2017) was an American physician and professor of rehabilitation medicine at the New York University School of Medicine. He is best known for his work on Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS), a controversial diagnosis that attributes chronic pain to psychosomatic causes.

Early Life and Education

John Ernest Sarno was born in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Columbia University, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He then went on to receive his medical degree from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Career

Sarno began his career in medicine as a general practitioner before specializing in rehabilitation medicine. He joined the faculty at the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine at New York University, where he worked for many years.

Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS)

Sarno's most notable contribution to medicine is his theory of Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS), which he first introduced in the 1970s. According to Sarno, TMS is a condition in which emotional and psychological factors cause physical pain, particularly in the back, neck, and limbs. He argued that the brain uses pain as a distraction from repressed emotions, such as anger and anxiety.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Sarno's approach to diagnosing TMS involved ruling out structural abnormalities through medical imaging and tests. Once TMS was suspected, treatment focused on education and psychological techniques. Sarno emphasized the importance of understanding the psychological roots of pain and encouraged patients to resume normal physical activity.

Controversy and Criticism

Sarno's theories have been met with skepticism from many in the medical community, who argue that his ideas lack scientific evidence. Critics point out that while some patients report relief from symptoms, the placebo effect and other factors may play a role. Despite this, Sarno's work has gained a significant following among patients and some healthcare professionals.

Publications

Sarno authored several books on TMS, including:

• Mind Over Back Pain (1984)
• Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection (1991)
• The Mindbody Prescription: Healing the Body, Healing the Pain (1998)
• The Divided Mind: The Epidemic of Mindbody Disorders (2006)

Legacy

John E. Sarno's work has influenced the field of psychosomatic medicine and has inspired a movement of practitioners and patients who advocate for a mind-body approach to chronic pain. His books continue to be popular among those seeking alternative treatments for pain.

Also see

• Psychosomatic medicine
• Chronic pain
• Mind-body connection
• Rehabilitation medicine