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Tension Myositis Syndrome – Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Many individuals visit the doctor to seek help for their pain, only to be sent home with no clear diagnosis or treatment plan because their tests and imaging results show no apparent results. This can disappoint many and limit the doctor’s ability to provide effective treatment. Tension myositis syndrome is one such condition that causes some patients to experience chronic, unexplained pain.

Tension Myositis Syndrome – Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Learning its signs and management options can help one get timely assistance.

Tension myositis syndrome (TMS)
Dr. John Sarno coined tension myositis syndrome, a condition associated with health concerns related to chronic pain, including pain in the neck, shoulder, back, leg, and nerves. It can also be seen in those affected by fibromyalgia or other nerve-pain-related conditions. TMS is also known as mind-body syndrome, neuroplastic pain, or psychophysiological disorders. That said, if the pain is associated with any acute illness, infection, or injury, it is not indicative of TMS.

Onset of TMS
TMS validates the connection between the physical and psychological factors that affect health. It corroborates the mind-body connection, especially in the case of chronic pain. It has helped doctors treat chronic pain patients with a unique approach. They interrogate how psychological stressors, social stressors, and repressed emotions can cause physical symptoms related to chronic pain.

TMS can occur when people choose to repress their emotions. The internalization of thoughts and feelings can cause considerable discomfort to individuals over time. This repressive feeling often forces the autonomic system into the “fight or flight” mode. The resultant oxygen depletion felt by the nerves and muscles can cause discomfort and pain, leading to the onset of TMS.

Common symptoms of TMS
Weakness and chronic pain are common indicators of tension myositis syndrome. This type of pain commonly impacts the neck, back, shoulders, and limbs of affected patients . Along with these symptoms, TMS can also lead to fibromyalgia symptoms or gastrointestinal problems. In most cases, standard diagnostic testing methods are unable to account for these symptoms since they are not caused by the structural abnormalities that would appear on the tests. Additionally, the range of symptoms associated with the condition can vary widely from one individual to another. That said, some physical signs of TMS can help doctors make an accurate diagnosis, but again, these can differ among affected individuals.

  • Chronic neck pain
  • Pain that can be connected to arthritis
  • Chronic shoulder pain
  • Severe and chronic back pain (attributed to herniated spinal cord discs)
  • Joint or knee pain
  • Piriformis pain
  • Chronic foot or ankle pain
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Chronic muscle pain
  • Unexplained vertigo
  • Irritable bowel disease
  • Pelvic pain
  • Chronic sciatica pain
  • Nerve pain
  • Chronic and unexplained acid reflux

Individuals who experience more than one of the above symptoms and report pain that shifts to different locations are more likely to receive a positive diagnosis for TMS. This is why it is crucial for individuals to seek a proper diagnosis from a qualified expert who will conduct all necessary tests and rule out any potentially serious conditions.

TMS diagnosis
To accurately diagnose TMS, individuals undergo a series of evaluations, including physical examinations, imaging tests, and a thorough review of their medical history and emotional well-being. The healthcare expert will systematically rule out other potential causes of the symptoms. So, it becomes important for patients to work closely with their doctor to undergo a comprehensive testing process to ensure an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment options for tension myositis syndrome
TMS treatment is based on addressing the condition’s cause rather than working on the symptoms. Healthcare professionals with an understanding of both psychology and physiology can effectively treat patients with associated symptoms. For most patients, addressing and treating the causes of TMS  delivers long-lasting results. In addition to being treated by the doctor, individuals also need to adopt some changes that will prevent them from further contributing to their symptoms. Some of the recommended practices include accepting the stress, practicing a shift in their mindset, and performing stretches or activities that help relax the painful areas.

Doctors can use treatment methods like psychotherapy, physical therapy, and self-directed neuroplasticity training. Some might even recommend that patients consider journaling, as it can effectively help alleviate stress and address repressed emotions. Through regular journaling, individuals with this condition have the opportunity to not only document their daily responses but also express their inner thoughts. Further, this process can prove beneficial as it allows individuals to realize their subconscious worries and anxieties.

Holistic treatment methods also employ manifestation techniques. Patients are taught about the importance of relieving built-up anger toward themselves. They learn about techniques that help them visualize living a pain-free life. This lets the brain shift its focus from the pain to other things. To get optimal relief from the TMS pain and learn about the treatment process, consulting a doctor as soon as possible can be beneficial in the long run and prevent the progression of the associated symptoms.

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