Recent content by Alex Bloom LCSW

Hi, thanks for the question. Sorry to hear you're in such discomfort! If you feel that your physiological condition does not explain your level of pain and that you match up to the descriptions of a "TMS Personality" I would highly recommend that you try to speak with a doctor that has...

Hi, thanks for the question. Headaches are really tough, and are something I deal with myself. There is absolutely no doubt that they can be exacerbated or even generated by stress, and worrying/being anxious about them can definitely make them worse. In those cases, a TMS approach can...

Hi, thanks for the question. I think it is important to remain physical and challenge yourself to overcome your symptoms, so long as your physician feels that they won't create a structural issue. Being sedentary is never a good idea. With regards to "feeding the cycle", the most important...

Hi there, It can be very powerful to learn about different ways of interpreting one's symptoms and it certainly seems like Dr. Sarno's explanation has clicked with you. Very good news indeed. What I can tell you is that both I and my colleagues at the Pain Psychology Center have worked with a...

Hi there, Anxiety, fear, preoccupation, stress, pressure...all of these things can most certainly exacerbate a variety of medical issues, chronic pain or otherwise. This is why it is important to get a TMS diagnosis, so you can know how to approach what is affecting you personally. If you have...

Hi etnier, thanks for the question. This can be a tricky subject, and I know different people will approach this in different ways. My understanding of the rationale behind the "no medication" idea is that it helps you to avoid becoming dependent on something physical to deal with your pain...

Hi Gail! Thanks for the question. While seemingly straightforward, it is a big question indeed. How to begin? Well I think you have certainly found yourself at a very good place for beginning, the TMS wiki and forum. As far as something nice and simple I would say just start here with an...

Hi Caroline, Thanks for sharing what you're going through and reaching out. You have a few things going on here so let me address them as best I can. You write that your step son has been unwell in the past but recovered. Was his previous issue with CFS? What prompted his improvement? As...

Hi, thanks for the question. It is indeed normal to experience some "pushback" pain as you begin to pursue the TMS approach to your pain. After deciding against the injections and feeling you are going it alone, it would make sense that there is some more internal uncertainty and pressure...

Hi Lori, TMS is essentially shorthand for the connection between one's mind and body that results in psychological challenges expressing themselves as physical pain. The good news is that it seems you have been able to observe this directly in your own experience, which is often the most...

Hi Lady Phoenix, thanks for the question. These symptoms have been widely associated with increased levels of stress, pressure and tension. The fact is that many of the strategies that are used for dealing with TMS are aimed at those issues rather than a specific symptom per se (i.e. back...

Hi Mike, thanks for the question, it's an interesting one! One thing you can tell people is that by taking better care of yourself you've found that it helps you to deal with the pain, which seems to be an accurate representation to me. If they ask for details you can talk about being kinder...

Hi there, thanks for posting, What you are describing could certainly be a manifestation of TMS. Negative tests and assessments, migrating locations and the advice of your doctors all indicate that it's a strong possibility. Try not to get too worried if you don't see an exact match of your...

Hi there Eastcoast, thanks for the question. Doubts around causality and a preoccupation with structural issues is probably the most common issue that people run into. I see it in one form or another with basically 100% of my clients, so you are in good company. It is very important for you...

Hi J, thanks for the question Form what you are writing here you certainly demonstrate some of the telltale signs of TMS. Pain the exceeds physical evidence, susceptibility to mind-body symptom manifestation, the matching personality type - it's all here! Something that stands out for me is...