Ep. 140 What is LONG COVID? An Evidenced Based Look.

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Understanding Long-Covid under the Fibromyalgia and related conditions framework, also known as nociplastic pain conditions.

In this episode of the Conquering Your Fibromyalgia podcast, host Dr. Michael Lenz explores the possible connections between Long-Covid and Fibromyalgia. He reviews two articles(A and B) providing different perspectives on the issue, focusing on the similarities in symptoms and the overlap with other chronic pain conditions. Dr. Lenz explains the term Long-Covid, detailing the range of persistent symptoms experienced by patients post-COVID-19 infection and how they mirror those of Fibromyalgia. He discusses studies attempting to understand and define Long-Covid but the lack of evidence supporting those such as persistence of  a viral infection.  It has been proposed to rename it to Fibromyalgia-like post-Covid syndrome. In a second opinion piece, the parallels between Fibromyalgia and Long-Covid based on past research are discussed. They propose that Long-Covid and Fibromyalgia should be viewed as a network of interrelated disorders with a shared pathogenic mechanism and encourage an evidenced based multifaceted approach already in existence from our understanding of fibromyalgia type illness. Dr. Lenz emphasizes the need for understanding and giving evidence based answers and solutions to those suffering.

00:04 Introduction to the Podcast and Host
01:11 Understanding Long COVID and Fibromyalgia
05:13 Exploring the Symptoms of Long COVID
06:37 The Overlap of Long COVID and Fibromyalgia Symptoms
06:43 The History and Naming of Fibromyalgia
12:08 The Biological Footprint of Long COVID?
27:19 The Role of Psychological Factors in Nociplastic Conditions
33:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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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.*