Dr. Marc Sopher has written a book for his patients in layman’s language, describing TMS (tension myositis syndrome) a psychosomatic illness which can affect pain in various parts of the body, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, skin problems, and a host of other diseases. He describes the conditioning that approves of pain for accidents or diseases that, in other parts of the world with no medical compensation, are relieved after a few short weeks instead of years as in the US. If the pain does not go away, even with aggressive treatment, or it moves to another part of the body, TMS may be the culprit. However, he stresses that symptoms must be evaluated by a physician so that true physical problems can be addressed.

The book is not a substitute for any of the books written by John Sarno, the expert on mind/body diseases and their treatment options, but it goes a long way in explaining TMS in easy to understand terms. Sopher contends that the only way to be helped with TMS is to accept the diagnosis and work through the psychological pain and rage, sometimes with help. Some are helped literally overnight and others need weeks and months of therapy to correct the medical their conditions. And some patients never do come to accept this diagnosis. But it is worth looking at all options available, including this one. ( )