Derek S. Overcoming rsi

[newarrior]

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mrpearl67@yahoo.com​

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Question

After 6 weeks of driving for Lyft RSI came out of the blue and sidelined me as of today. Any thoughts ? Suggestions ? I stopped driving, went on an anti inflammatory diet, started meditating, noticed when I am stressed, holding tension, magnesium bath, medications, supplements, exercise, etc etc. I read Sarno's Mindbody Connection in 2005 and just threw it away a few months ago as I thought I didn't need it. I reordered a new copy off the web today.. Thanks !

 

[Derek Sapico MFT]

Answer

Thanks for your question, Newarrior.

First of all, I wouldn't build up too much structure around a symptom that can be treated psychologically. I believe that creating too many rituals and treatments for TMS symptoms gives them more power and attention. TMS symptoms feed off of fear and preoccupation so the less that you try to "problem solve" the symptom, the better. Focus on tending to the fear and anxiety that the symptom creates and practice good emotional hygiene by journaling and making space for your feelings. Meditate, reduce stress levels, tend to your fear and anxiety and do not get into a cycle of avoidance.

This brings me to the driving. Honestly, I would get back to driving as soon as possible. Don't allow it to become a strong conditioned response. Challenge it early and often by resuming the activity and reminding yourself that it is not the driving that is causing you pain but the fear, tension, and preoccupation. The longer you avoid the activity, the stronger your fear and avoidance will become.

It sounds like you've overcome TMS in the past and you will do it again this time.

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