Answer
Hi Emile,
Thank you for submitting this important question.
It brings up a very salient issue regarding the importance of a TMS diagnosis in recovery.
A diagnosis by exclusion is the method that some TMS physicians will use to determine the causality of your symptoms. There are some physicians who will actually perform a TMS diagnosis by applying pressure to certain areas of your body assessing for tenderness, though not all TMS physicians will utilize this approach.
It is always a good idea to see your PCP to get X-rays and imaging tests to rule out any significant structural issues. This should always be done to ensure that you are not under-treating something serious or dangerous. If they can't find anything significant in the standard diagnostic tests, then you schedule an appointment with a TMS physician and you have your diagnosis by exclusion.
In your case, it appears that utilizing the principles of TMS recovery have already given you significant symptom reduction. I would continue to operate from this mindset. Since you've already been through treatment by your PCP, PT, and back clinic, I would imagine that major structural issues have already been ruled out. If this is the case, going through all of the diagnostic tests again seems like overkill. Even with a diagnosis by exclusion, there may still be some lingering doubt. Ultimately, the belief must be your own.
As you stated, you're 99% there.
Keep working on the remaining 1% and you will get there.
-Derek
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