Q&A: Can I really ignore the crippling pain of TMS?

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Question

Can I really ignore crippling pain just by telling myself the pain is benign even though the pain brings me to my knees? How can I bear through such pain in a way that will make my TMS better rather than worse?
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Answer by Audrey Berdeski, DC

An image of Audrey Berdeski, DC
Audrey Berdeski, DC

Audrey Berdeski's Profile Page / Survey Response

The road to recovery from TMS starts with the understanding that this physical crippling pain you experience is caused by your unconscious mind protecting itself. The unconscious mind causes physical symptoms to distract you from the frightening feelings that are hidden within. The unconscious mind is not logical, it is terrified by rage and acts to suppress it at all cost -- your crippling pain is the result.

To bear through such pain you must consciously begin to think about your repressed rage. This will be a conscious counterattack on the unconscious so that it cannot control you any longer. Think psychologically about your pain--which can be difficult when the pain is crippling -- and where your rage may be stemming from. A written list of all of the pressures in your life may be helpful. Self imposed pressures (perfectionism, being a goodist) as well as the 'happy' things in your life that contribute to pressures (marriage, children), and even listing any anger left over from childhood. By identifying and dealing with your pressures consciously reduces their negative effect in the unconscious.

Also, talk to your brain. Tell your mind that you know what it's doing, and that your pain is harmless and is only a distraction from the repressed rage, and you will not allow it to intimidate you this way. Be aware when your pain does subside that you should resume physical activity at your normal level. If you have fear of physical pain and limit your activity then the battle between your conscious and unconscious has not been won. Keep in mind as you increase your level of physical activity, that TMS is a benign process and the brain just needs to change its programming. Keep trying, stay secure in the knowledge that you will prevail in the end -- this has proven true for thousands and thousands of patients.

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