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Summary: It Absolutely Works . . .
Review: I was a bit sceptical at first, about reading this book. But reviews, TV specials, etc. made me feel that I had to.A year ago, I incurred incredible back and leg pain, and was ultimately diagnosed with a herniated disk. At the time, I decided not to opt for surgery, but to take the physical therapy route. My pain subsided, but never really went away. I had to always sit with a special back pillow, and had to often stand at meetings so I would be comfortable. Dr. Sarno's book described me, my personality, and my pain to a tee. His recommendations and "cure" were so strong, that halfway through a plane flight on which I was reading the book, I removed my back pillow from the seat - I haven't used it since. 3 weeks after reading the book, I'm completely pain-free, and have actually seen other minor improvements in my health, well-being, and attitude. If you have back, neck or leg pain that seems to just linger, you MUST read this book. If you believe that standrad medical diagnoses are accurate, and that Doctors' treatments must be followed, do yourself a favor and listen to what Dr. Sarno has to say. It absolutely works.
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Summary: Physician: Heal Thyself!
Review: Dr Sarno's book is great -- for weak-minded, wealthy, narcissists who love to frequent Park Avenue doctors for the purpose of indulging minor ailments. If you've got real pain, then I humbly suggest you see a surgeon not a snake oil salesman. However, the best medicine for what ails you is laughter; and for that I heartily recommend Dan Wagner's FANtastic book: Getting To Howard: The Odyssey of an Obsessed Howard Stern Fan -- it's definitely a pain-free read.
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Summary: It didn't work for me.
Review: My review never appeared here when I posted it two months ago, so I'm posting it again in hopes it will appear this time. I read this book and faithfully followed everything it suggested, and it didn't work for me at all. In such cases, the book suggests that the reader should consult with a psychologist to see if their back pain might be due to unresolved psychological issues -- I did that and it didn't work for me either. Several years later, my back pain is just as bad, and it has since been diagnosed as fibromyalgia. Although Dr. Sarno's techniques may work for some people, they certainly don't work for everyone.
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Summary: Changed my life!
Review: I experienced severe and sometime debilitating back pain for five years prior to reading this book. After reading the book and slowly convincing myself that he was right, my life has changed. I have regained all of the mobility that I had thought was forever lost. Dr. Sarno clearly describes the symptoms of back pain and then proceeds to delineate the exact steps one should take to conquer the beast. Dr. Sarno appropriately names the overwheliming problem as TMS. The affirmations offered by Dr. Sarno are conveniently taped next to the toilet in my bathroom for a daily reminder.
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Summary: YOU CAN RELIEVE YOUR PAIN AND OVERCOME YOUR STALLS
Review: The major benefit of HEALING BACK PAIN is that you suddenly may be able to help so many people who suffer from chronic pain in all parts of their bodies that traditional medicine has not been able to relieve. I do believe that so many illnesses are caused by held in stress and anger. I am glad Dr. Sarno is explaining this and that he cites studies published in JAMA and other major medical journals to support his experiences. This philosophy of understanding and physical activity is a step forward over others suggesting only understanding, relaxation and recognition of emotions. To make real progress, we must break The Disbelief Stall described in THE 2,000 PERCENT SOLUTION, that there must be a physical reason for pain, that there must be a doctor who can diagnose and cure that pain, and that this cannot possibly be a mind-(subconscious)-over-pain matter. (Look at this book too for ideas about how to overcome your other stalls). Time and time again, we hear stories of "miracle" recoveries in people with great positive attitudes. These are not miracle cures. These are other examples of the power of the mind. I intend to share this book to relatives and friends in the hope that they will look into TMS and perhaps, find relief that will improve the quality of their lives and those around them.
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Summary: Dr. Sarno saved me from a life of chronic back pain
Review: I had been experiencing low back pain for 6 years, and especially a lot of pain on the sides of my back, so much that I couldn't walk properly or stand or sit for a long time without pain. By chance I saw Dr. Sarno on 20/20 TV show and hoped he could help me. I ordered the book right away which was easy on Amazon.com, and I have been reading it for about a week. It is hard to believe that I am almost completely free of pain right now. Thanks to Dr. Sarno for improving so many people's lives.
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Summary: If you want to feel better, read this book!
Review: I've been suffering neck and shoulder pain for over 10 years. I've taken more Advil in my life than anyone should. My chiropractor is going to be bummed out when finds out! Within 1 week of reading this book, 98% of my pain was GONE. It's an easy read, and well worth the time. Good luck!
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Summary: A brilliant and underappreciated view of back pain
Review: I went to see John Sarno as a patient about ten years ago, and he completely changed my life. Strangely, my problem was foot pain rather than back pain, but the diagnosis was the same. Even though every doctor I'd seen until then told me I could nothing and would eventually have to walk with a cane, Dr. Sarno put me back on my feet quite literally. I now play tennis, hike, and do anything else I want. People unwilling to give up their misery should skip this book; anyone who want to be free of back problems, on the other hand, should read it.
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Summary: This book has changed my life.
Review: I have suffered from lower back pain for over 20 years. The pain would vary from severe, putting me in the hospital, to almost nonexistent allowing me to lead a virtually normal life, but these periods were few and far between. I was diagnosed with bulging discs in the L4/L5 area and surgery was constantly recommended. However I was always afraid I would be worse off than before and a lot of what I was told didn't make sense (I'm an aerospece engineer and would analyze everything I was told). Contradictions abounded, but one thing I was convinced of was that the problem was structural and I was constantly told to limit activities, do things in a certain way, always be careful to prevent additional injuries, etc, etc. When I read Dr. Sarno's book, and eventually all of his books about back pain, I found myself described to a 'T' by him,yet realized that I couldn't be the only person he was writing about, that thousands of others had the same experiences I did. Upon reading his opinion about how back pain is caused I realized my problem was mental, not physical, and that I could be free of the pain. It has been very difficult to overcome 20 years of programming, but his explanations were the only ones which made sense to me. I have been able to resume many of my 'forbidden' activities and continue to do more all the time. I'm sure that I will be able to resume all my normal activities in full. Dr. Sarno presents so many convincing explanations which explain the contradictions doctors have given me and I thank God for him every day. As he says, one doesn't have to do anything except read, understand, and accept his explanations. Getting past the fear of doing things again is probably the most difficult part, but the results are incredible. He emphasizes seeing a doctor to make sure a real physical problem, tumors, etc are not at fault but MRIs which show bulging discs are common in many people without pain, as are many other conditions which are used to explain back pain. I can't say enough about the sensible way he approaches this epidemic of back pain except to say read his books and form your own opinion. I hope others are helped as much as I have been and will let others know so they can be helped too. I don't normally comment on books, but I feel so strongly about this and I hope my few words will convince others to read his books and be helped too. Good luck to all of you who suffer from these problems. I am certainly not unique and neither are you.
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Summary: Wish I would have read this first.
Review: Well, I know it is hard to believe that simply reading a book could help you heal so much. I read through the testamonials too. After failed back surgery in 1995, many chiropractors etc., I thought my career as an airline pilot was over. After reading Dr. Sarno's book, I was skeptical. I worked hard at it though, because I was desperate. And guess what...no kidding, my pain went away. From watching a grown man cry, not being able to move, not even lie down without pain, my friends and family watched a truly miraculous turn around. I am 100% pain-free. What do you have to lose, $12? How much have you already paid for other medical help? It's worth the investment to say the least.
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