&gt;If someone is experiencing a physical symptom and you tell them it&#x27;s not actually physical, that is dismissing it<p>Nobody is saying that at all. The physical causes should be investigated, obviously. Suggesting to the patient that it might be psychological is not &quot;dismissing&quot; anything. Of course, it is true that most patients are vehemently opposed to the idea of psychosomatic pain, as well as many&#x2F;most doctors. John Sarno&#x27;s books are a fascinating read.<p>In this case there doesn&#x27;t appear to be any pain, or physical sensation at all. You can&#x27;t sense a &quot;hole&quot;, any more than you can sense inflammation or the like.