TMS FAQ and Answers
If these do not answer your questions, call the office--Staff are generally knowledgeable about Dr. Schechter's TMS treatment program and educational materials. If someone doesn't know the answer, they'll get Dr. Schechter's response for you:
1.) What if I have a specific medical question about my condition?
A: Due to ethical and legal issues, Dr. Schechter is unable to answer specific diagnostic and treament questions about your condition via email unless you have become a patient by being seen and examined in his office or virtually (California only). General issues are answered in his blog, educational materials, etc.
2.) Are there doctors in other cities that I can see regarding TMS?
A: There are a number of such doctors and the number is slowly growing. See the doctors page for other physicians that have interest in this area.
3.) What can I do if I can't come to Los Angeles and I don't live near any of the other doctors?
A: First, see a qualified physician in your local area. Consider a neurologist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor, sports medicine or orthopedist. Have that doctor examine you and see if they are comfortable with a "conservative" or non-surgical program. If so, ask if you can include a TMS or mindbody program in that plan. Then read the books available on the subject, consider my new online program, and use the workbook. Continue to have that local doctor monitor your progress.
4.) Are there any other options if I live in California, but can't come to Dr. Schechter's office due to pain or distance?
A: For follow-up visits, phone or telehealth is a great option. Outside of the United States, telehealth visits are possible. Virtual visits in California are also permissible.
Additional Q and A:
1) What should I do if my back pain doesn’t go away?
a. See a qualified doctor to ensure that there is no structural or inflammatory reason for your pain.
2) My back pain has become chronic, how can I get relief?
a. Consider cutting edge approaches such as Neuroplastic Recovery programs that involve Pain Reprocessing and Emotional Awareness. The brain-body link is very important in chronic pain
3) What if my doctor just wants to give me injections and medications for my pain?
a. There are excellent resources to help including Think Away Your Pain, The MindBody Workbook: Volume Two, and The Lessons Doctor Sarno Taught Me that can instruct you about the mind-body or brain-body connection in pain.
4) Is it really possible to get pain relief from psychology and education?
a. Studies have shown that a correct diagnosis: Tension Myoneural Syndrome, Neuroplastic Pain, Nociplastic Pain, Central Pain can lead to a successful treatment program that includes education, journaling, psychology and sometimes therapy or coaching.
5) Should I see a doctor to get neuroplastic pain treatment?
a. Since the diagnosis is such an important step in relieving chronic pain, you should see a medical doctor if one is accessible to you, ideally in person.
6) How can I find such a doctor?
a. MindBodyMedicine.com/medical-doctors has a national and international list. Dr. Schechter in California sees patients in California or who can travel there and some International patients as well.
7) What books can I read on Tension Myoneural Syndrome or Neuroplastic Pain Recovery?
a. Dr. Schechter’s books, Think Away Your Pain or The MindBody Workbook are excellent. Dr. Sarno’s books such as Healing Back Pain and The MindBody Prescription are the original works in this field. Alan Gordon’s The Way Out is excellent on psychology.
8) What if my doctor doesn’t know how to treat my chronic pain?
a. Websites such as mindbodymedicine.com and symptomatic.me are informative and offer resources. Just make sure it’s safe for you to use a conservative program that doesn’t involve invasive procedures or surgery.
9) Are there alternatives to surgery for chronic back pain?
a. A small number of patients with chronic back pain can benefit from surgery. Most of these have more leg than back pain actually. Many patients benefit from an educational and psychological approach as featured on MindBodyMedicine.com
10) Can my headaches be treated without medication? My migraines?
a. Many people benefit from a Neuroplastic Recovery Program for headaches, both tension headaches and migraines, as featured on www.MindBodyMedicine.com and elsewhere.
11) Is there research supporting the approach of Tension Myoneural Syndrome, Sarno’s work, and Neuroplastic approaches?
a. In the past five years there have been several important, randomized controlled trials investigating these approaches. Results have been remarkably good in this non invasive, educational, psychological approach.
12) Who learned directly from Dr. John Sarno?
a. Dr. David Schechter was his first student physician trainee and has continued his work for many decades. There are others including Howard Schubiner, Ira Rashbaum, and Paul Gwozdz.
(updated Nov. 2025)
