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

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.

We must learn to recognize nature's truths even though we don't understand them, for some of those truths may still be beyond the ability of the human mind to comprehend. What we need is a compound prescription of humility, imagination, devotion to the truth and, above all, confidence in the eternal wisdom of nature.

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

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.

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