Healing Back Pain by John E. Sarno (1991, Paperback)

This is a MARVELOUS book! I never thought about pain in this way before and it's really true, your mind creates your pain. Not that it's any the less true that it hurts, but that YOU can do something about it. My pain is almost gone now and I don't take any medication (Tylenol) any more for it. It's only been a month that I've had the book, too. I strongly recommend it for anyone who has pain that won't go away.

This is a milestone text that every person that suffers from back pain should absolutely read. The thesis of Dr. Sarno's discussion is essentially based on the idea that over 90% of back pain is caused by excess muscle tension rather than skeletal disorders like disc herniation/rupture, or bone related spinal issues. Basically, it's all nonsense (stay away from the Orthopedic Surgeon). One of the most important assertions in the book is "no spinal trama, no spine related problems." In a nutshell this means that unless you had a serious accident that has tramatized your back, then there's nothing physiologically wrong with your back - end of story. That's not to say that the pain that you may be experiencing is not real - it absolutely is. It's the root cause that's been misdiagnosed - it's muscle tension causing the pain. Dr. Sarno's discussions about how to reverse excessive back muscle tension are straight-forward and extreamly effective when put into practice. I read the book a year and a half ago (in fairly acute back pain) and after 6 weeks of using his methods was completely pain free. My back has been perfect ever since (just like a kid again). His methods toward solving my problems have been a life saver. Buy it, read it, and live it. You won't believe the results.

after suffering lower back pain for 2 decades, i finally found the treatment that is the key to unlocking this mystery. this type of pain plagues millions of people. if only doctors and physio's would reccomend this author, the world would be a further enlightened place, a must read for anyone pain or not

I had severe back pain for almost 15 years. Was told that I needed surgery etc. etc. (you can read the full story at checkMD.com) but this book changed everything. I have not had ANY back pain in 10 years and I owe it to Dr. Sarno!

Ireally liked this book because I had (in1998)a burst L1 compressed fx and had pain ever since. I had gone the whole range from physical therapy, to pain pills, to 12 spinal epidural and nothing lasted for any length of time. However I did get some relief thru accupuncture. Now that I am reading this book I am also finding out how the mind plays tricks on us at times and we can train it so to speak to help us not to have this pain. It's written by a Doctor and has great reviews. Would recommend it to anyone.

I had spent over a thousand dollars on Chiropractors and Acupuncture... and elbow braces, but my tennis elbow wouldn't go away. I wasted all that money when all I need was read this book! I highly recommend this.

I have had chronic back pain and other ailments for years and after reading this book, they have gone away. This book helps you recognize and take control of your pain and realize what is actually truly happening in your body. It's really very revolutionary and I highly recommend it.

It is a great book, if you have back pain and you are looking for alternative ways of coping with it. I highly recommend this book. It can be used for any kind of chronic pain.

Well written, great information, a must read for all who are experiencing back pain. Very reassuring. An eye opener