Psychosomatic backache

It is contended in this report that the majority of pain syndromes involving the neck, shoulders, and low back are the result of a benign, reversible process in the musculature which is psychosomatic in nature and which has been called tension myositis. The natural history of the disorder, findings on physical examination, and diagnostic studies are briefly described. The theoretical basis for the conclusion that it is psychosomatic is discussed, the therapeutic program is described, and long-term results with a group of treated patients are presented. The results suggest that a program of physician counseling and physical therapy is generally successful. The author believes that the psychosomatic nature of the disorder places it within the purview of the behaviorally oriented specialty of family practice.