"Back On Top" is an 8-episode podcast miniseries hosted by Tim Doyle. It recounts his harrowing journey of overcoming a severe lumbar spine injury without resorting to surgery. Enduring seven months of relentless pain and medical interventions, including physical therapy and spinal decompression, he found solace in Dr. John Sarno's book "The Mindbody Prescription." Join Tim as he delves into the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual battles and unveils his unconventional path to recovery. "Back On Top" offers inspiration and practical insights for anyone facing persistent pain and seeking transformative recovery.

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In Tim's journey, navigating the labyrinth of uncertainty and persistent pain becomes a testament to unwavering resilience. Wrestling with back problems, he confronts pivotal moments, such as emotional workouts and contemplation of surgery. Tim also delves into the potential correlation between athletes like Tiger Woods and Ben Simmons and TMS, challenging conventional perspectives on sports-related injuries. As he regains normalcy—pain-free workouts, a return to school, and spiritual revelations—the profundity of his transformation unfolds.

Tim not only conquers physical agony but also discovers profound insights about his internal sense of being. His narrative becomes an ode to the transformative power of adversity, urging listeners to draw strength from their struggles. Tim invites others to contemplate the silver linings in their personal storms, providing a compelling testament to the extraordinary growth that can emerge from the crucible of challenges.

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In this episode, Tim shares his journey implementing Dr. Sarno's TMS recovery strategies. Tim highlights three key components: rejecting structural diagnoses, embracing the psychological nature of pain through self-dialogue, and swiftly returning to normal life and activities. Tim's introspective talks, akin to self-therapy, bring profound realizations. This leads Tim to successfully returning to college full time and overcoming the fear of working out again. His triumphant return to the gym after 150 days validates TMS as the root cause, marking a pivotal moment in his recovery. Tim's progress underscores the power of mental strategies in healing physical ailments.

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Tim consults Dr. Ira Rashbaum, a TMS specialist at NYU Langone Health. Rashbaum, who worked under Dr. Sarno, identifies TMS markers in Tim's skin discoloration and advises against surgery. Despite large herniations on Tim's MRI, Rashbaum attributes his prolonged pain to TMS, urging him to reject structural diagnoses. Reading "The Mindbody Prescription," Tim undergoes a mental transformation. He challenges his physical restrictions by bending over and touching his toes for the first time after 7 months. This clearly signifies to Tim that he is finally on the path to recovery. Rashbaum's approach, emphasizing psychological understanding and swift return to normalcy, contrasts with previous physical therapies.

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Tim reflects on his spinal decompression progress, realizing he's halfway through his sessions with no noticeable improvement. Amid skepticism, a chance encounter changes everything. Introduced to someone who fully recovered from a worse back condition by reading a book, Tim learns about Dr. John Sarno and Tension Myoneural Syndrome (TMS). Initially resistant to this form of recovery, desperation leads him to explore this unconventional approach. Intrigued but cautious, Tim talks with the recovered individual, finding an openness to TMS. The possibility of TMS sparks curiosity, prompting Tim to consider consulting the TMS clinic in New York City for a comprehensive examination.

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In January 2021, Tim begins his spinal decompression treatment, optimistic that this will get him on the road to recovery. As weeks progress, temporary comfort during sessions contrasts with persistent pain and limited mobility. A visit to his former physical therapist adds a layer of challenge and motivation. Frustration sets in by week 5 of spinal decompression, questioning the therapy's effectiveness. Concurrently, Tim grapples with returning to college. Weekend drives to school become therapeutic, offering introspection and gratitude. The prolonged pain becomes a catalyst for mental, emotional, and spiritual breakthroughs. Tim discovers a unique approach to pain acceptance, realizing the unexpected progress in his journey.

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In this episode Tim confronts a critical juncture in his herniated disc recovery journey. The doctor suggests surgery due to the limited progress in physical therapy, leaving Tim disheartened. The decision weighs heavily, sparking a clash of opinions with his mother, who adamantly opposes surgery. Venturing beyond traditional therapy, Tim explores spinal decompression, finding a glimmer of relief. A chiropractor becomes a beacon of hope, proposing an intensive regimen. As Tim shifts towards this alternative path, tensions arise with his original physical therapist. The episode navigates the emotional complexities of decision-making and introduces a potentially transformative approach to healing.

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In this episode Tim recounts his struggle with two severely herniated discs in his lumbar spine. Initially advised to avoid back and leg workouts, his condition worsens, leading to a demoralizing experience with a steroid pack that fails to alleviate his pain. Cortisone injections offer temporary relief, allowing him to begin physical therapy. Despite strengthening his core and improving his hip flexibility, the persistent pain remains, prompting thoughts of surgery. The final weeks of physical therapy yield no improvements, setting the stage for a disheartening checkup with his doctor. Doyle grapples with the challenges of recovery and the uncertainty of his condition.

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