Suppressed emotions can cause pain; fear perpetuates the pain. Therefore, to heal the pain, we must help the suffering individual release the overwhelming fear - step by step - that surrounds them and their life in relation to pain.

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Dr. Nir Brosh

Estimates from various doctors suggest that between 10-15% of those suffering from pain are likely dealing with TMS. Considering that one of the leading reasons people visit family doctors is due to pain, it likely involves a significantly large number of individuals. However, due to insufficient awareness of the problem, many sufferers remain undiagnosed and therefore receive treatments that do not address the root cause of their problem. This is frustrating both for the healthcare providers and the patients.

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What are the symptoms of TMS?

The symptoms of TMS are numerous and varied, potentially affecting the body's muscular system, nervous system, and connective tissues (tendons, ligaments, and discs). Common symptoms include:

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• Chronic or recurring back pain

• Chronic or recurring neck pain

• Radiating pain in an arm or leg

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, Achilles tendonitis, and knee problems

• Numbness, weakness, or decreased sensation in the hands and/or legs

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It's important to note that TMS symptoms can closely mimic symptoms caused by disc herniation, protruding discs, inflammations, and other structural orthopedic issues. Hence, accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and symptom relief. Other medical diagnoses that often fall under the TMS diagnosis include migraines, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia, tension headaches, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), sleep problems, anxiety, and more.

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Who are the patients suffering from TMS and who can benefit from this treatment approach?

In fact, anyone can suffer from TMS. It's a widespread condition, stemming from daily stresses, unexpressed or unconscious emotions, past traumas, and stressful life events. Perfectionists, individuals who tend to be driven, are helpful, and wish to be loved by everyone, are particularly prone to developing TMS. Those who suppress emotions and avoid discussing them can also be more susceptible to chronic pain or TMS- a pain syndrome caused by our brain and emotions. 

 

How is TMS diagnosed?

It's important to note that TMS is a diagnosis that needs medical confirmation. As with any medical evaluation, serious or critical conditions (such as tumors, joint inflammations, fractures, and injuries caused by trauma) must be ruled out first, through conducting imaging and blood tests. It's crucial to look for "red flags" — signs that necessitate a comprehensive medical evaluation to rule out possible severe or dangerous underlying issues. Once dangerous causes are ruled out, we check whether there is an accurate match between imaging findings and the individual's symptoms. If no significant findings are found or if the symptoms and findings don't match precisely, TMS might be considered. 

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The diagnosis includes a comprehensive examination of the orthopedic system, personal questioning that involves identifying emotional triggers or those arising from life stresses, and a general medical interview to explore current and past medical issues the person has suffered from. After considering all these factors, and if certain criteria for diagnosis are met, it can be confirmed that the origin of the pain lies in emotions and tensions and are brain-based (Scientifically called neuroplastic pain). 

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Treatment for TMS:

Since TMS is a pain syndrome with emotional origins, its treatment focuses on emotional aspects or the individual's life stresses. Treatment for TMS is based on knowledge and self-practice. Once medically diagnosed, utilizing the right knowledge and personal cognitive and emotional exercises gradually helps relieve the individual from symptoms. Treatment components include educating patients on the latest knowledge about pain, teaching simple daily techniques based on this knowledge for pain relief, guiding behaviors promoting healing, avoiding hindering behaviors, and utilizing personal, family, and social support circles for pain relief. Dr. Baruch has experience in guiding over 500 patients through this healing approach. When the diagnosis is appropriate and confirms emotional factors directly causing or exacerbating the pain, this treatment approach is highly effective, achieving impressive healing results.