TMS or aging?

When a new ache or pain flares up after a certain age, society has conditioned us to sigh and accept it as "just part of getting older." It is incredibly common for people in their 50s, 60s, and beyond to experience a sudden twinge and immediately wonder if it’s the inevitable wear and tear of aging, or if it’s Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) striking again. The cultural narrative tells us that our bodies are destined to break down over time, making it all too easy to blame the calendar instead of looking at what’s really going on beneath the surface.

The truth is, aging is a natural process, but it is not a mandatory sentence for chronic pain. Dr. Sarno’s work shows us that the brain uses physical symptoms as a distraction from subconscious stress and repressed emotions. Life doesn't necessarily get less complicated as we get older; the pressures of life transitions, shifting identities, and family dynamics can easily ramp up internal tension. When a new symptom appears, your brain is often just running its old protective programming, conveniently using the societal excuse of "old age" to distract you from the emotional reality of your day-to-day life. More often than not, it’s a stress symptom, not a structural failure.

I can tell you firsthand that growing older does not mean being overwhelmed by health conditions. I am 64 years old, I take zero medications, and I live completely free of chronic symptoms. Our bodies are incredibly resilient and designed to thrive well into our later years. The next time a new pain tries to convince you that you are simply "getting old," push back on that narrative. Treat it as TMS first. Check in on your stress level, acknowledge the emotions at play, and remind your brain that you aren't buying into the myth that chronic pain is a “requirement” of aging. 

Aging well (and so can you!),
John