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Psychosomatic backache.

J E Sarno

    The Journal of Family Practice
    |September 1, 1977
    PubMed
    Summary

    Most neck, shoulder, and low back pain is caused by a reversible, psychosomatic condition called tension myositis. Physician counseling and physical therapy are effective treatments for this common musculoskeletal issue.

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    Area of Science:

    • Musculoskeletal health
    • Psychosomatic medicine
    • Behavioral science

    Background:

    • Many patients experience chronic neck, shoulder, and low back pain.
    • The underlying cause of these common pain syndromes is often unclear.
    • A psychosomatic component is frequently overlooked in musculoskeletal disorders.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To describe tension myositis, a psychosomatic condition causing common pain syndromes.
    • To outline the natural history, examination findings, and diagnostic features of tension myositis.
    • To present the efficacy of a therapeutic program for tension myositis.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of the natural history, physical examination findings, and diagnostic studies for tension myositis.
    • Discussion of the theoretical basis for its psychosomatic nature.
    • Presentation of a therapeutic program involving physician counseling and physical therapy.
    • Analysis of long-term outcomes in a cohort of treated patients.

    Main Results:

    • The study suggests that tension myositis is a benign and reversible condition.
    • Physician counseling combined with physical therapy demonstrated generally successful outcomes.
    • The psychosomatic etiology is supported by the theoretical discussion and treatment results.

    Conclusions:

    • Tension myositis is a prevalent cause of neck, shoulder, and low back pain.
    • A treatment program of physician counseling and physical therapy is effective.
    • The psychosomatic nature of tension myositis aligns with the scope of family practice.

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