A HEALTHY BACK STARTS IN THE MIND – How Stress and Pain Are Linked

  • An accessible and encouraging guide that explores the important connection between back pain and psychological stress.
  • A holistic approach with many practical tips!
  • English complete translation available.

Almost everyone has experienced back pain, which is the leading cause of work disability worldwide. What many do not know is that the pain often is not just caused by wear and tear, poor posture, or a herniated disc. The mind also plays a crucial role in healing. Catrin Marnitz, a well-known psychologist in Hamburg, sees every day what research has long confirmed: physical and mental factors always work together. In more than 50 percent of cases, psychological stress, grief, or loneliness are the reasons the pain remains or returns.
For those who have visited countless doctors and still feel stuck, Catrin Marnitz provides the necessary knowledge to regain hope. Using concrete examples, she explains why pain becomes chronic, how we can build resilience, and how we can learn to better cope with pain on our own – so we can, hopefully, leave it behind for good.

Back pain is not an unchangeable fate: »The brain learns pain, just as we learn to drive a car. Much of what we have learned can also be unlearned, if we look at it holistically. We can rewrite it.« Catrin Marnitz


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  • Publisher: Rowohlt Polaris
  • Release: 16.09.2025
  • ISBN: 978-3-499-01716-2
  • 240 Pages
  • Authors: Catrin MarnitzTina Epking

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Buchcover von A HEALTHY BACK STARTS IN THE MIND – How Stress and Pain Are Linked: Wie Stress und Schmerz zusammenhängen
Catrin Marnitz Tina Epking A HEALTHY BACK STARTS IN THE MIND – How Stress and Pain Are Linked
Portrait von Catrin Marnitz
© Yvonne Schmedemann
Catrin Marnitz

Catrin Marnitz studied psychology in Münster and earned her certification as a Psychological Psychotherapist at the Institute for Behavioral Therapy in Hamburg. She is currently the lead psychologist at the renowned Back Center Am Michel in Hamburg. Before joining the center 20 years ago, she worked in the psychiatry department of the Hamburg University Hospital Eppendorf. In 2010, she completed further training in specialized pain psychotherapy.

Portrait von Tina Epking
© privat
Tina Epking

Tina Epking studied German Literature and Media Studies, as well as Spanish, in Düsseldorf and Hamburg, and is a graduate of the Axel Springer Academy in Berlin. For 20 years, she has worked as an editor, journalist, and author for publications such as  Die Welt , Zeit Online and Brigitte .