Ep. 136 How prestigious is fibromyalgia compared to other medical conditions? Why does fibromyalgia have such a big stigma?

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Dr. Michael Lenz discusses the perceptions of prestige associated with various medical conditions and the impact of stigma for people living with fibromyalgia and other chronic overlapping pain conditions. Highlighting a survey which ranked illnesses based on their prestige in the eyes of physicians and medical trainees, conditions like leukemia were ranked highest while fibromyalgia was ranked the lowest. The podcast also explores why fibromyalgia is often stigmatized, particularly in women and men, due to the perceptions of personal accountability in their development. Lastly, the role of patients' meta-narrative or faith background in their understanding of pain was examined.

00:07 Introduction and Prestige in Medicine
01:56 Understanding Fibromyalgia
02:22 Prestige Ranking of Medical Conditions
02:55 The Impact of Prestige on Patient Care
04:25 The Role of Lifestyle Medicine in Disease Management
08:01 Stigma and Fibromyalgia
08:37 The Role of Functional MRIs in Understanding Fibromyalgia
12:50 The History and Perception of Pain
13:02 Understanding Stigma in Fibromyalgia
20:24 The Impact of Stigma on Men with Fibromyalgia
24:16 Conclusion 
 

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When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*