Conventional Explanations for back pain focus on structural changes such as arthritis, degenerative changes, bulging discs, curvature of the spine and anatomical issues such as a short leg, bad feet, or misalignment.

Problems with this model:

  1. many of these structural changes are equally common in asymptomatic people --New England Journal of Medicine article by Jensen, 1994, 52% of people without back pain have bulging discs and other changes.

  2. in many patients, the pain seems to move around, or they may have neck and lower back pain despite normal xrays or MRI scans at one or more levels.

  3. many patients who have "successful" surgery by top surgeons still have pain after surgery.

  4. many patients note flare-ups that are not associated with any particular physical activity or injury.

  5. patients may suffer despite excellent physical therapy or chiropractic care and suddenly improve on vacation or when an emotionally stressful period passes.

    These facts suggest that the conventional model and diagnostic approach to patients with back pain may be incomplete or inaccurate in some or perhaps many individuals. These individuals are actually suffering from a benign, but painful, soft tissue process we call TMS. The treatment is understanding the connection between tension and the pain.

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    For consultations with Dr. Schechter at his Beverly Hills office, call 310-657-0366.
    For consultations at his Culver City office, call 310-838-2225.

    Copyright David Schechter, MD 1997-2003. All rights reserved.