A knowledgeable physical therapist can slowly build up patients' confidence by reassuring them that there is no structural problem and reminding them of the physiologic reason for the pain.

It is my impression that 'pain-killing' drugs improve the patient's mood rather than take away the pain.

... surgery is a powerful placebo, perhaps the ultimate placebo. The effectiveness of a placebo is directly proportional to the impression it makes on the patient's subconscious mind.

There's nothing like a little physical pain to keep your mind off your emotional problems.

Most doctors are uncomfortable with medical conditions that have a psychological basis.

... it is highly unlikely that a structural derangement could produce pain equal in severity to acute muscle spasm.

A knowledgeable physical therapist can slowly build up patients' confidence by reassuring them that there is no structural problem and reminding them of the physiologic reason for the pain.