Back On Top: From Debilitating Herniated Discs to Fully Recovered Without Surgery Tim Doyle

"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...

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 revelat...

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 ...

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...

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 rec...

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 the...