Ep 235 What the Princess and the Pea Teaches Us about Chronic Pain

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The Princess and the Pea: A Tale of Sensitivity and Neurodivergence

Explore the timeless fairytale of 'The Princess and the Pea' through the lens of modern science and neurodivergence. This video reinterprets the story as an early description of heightened sensitivity, similar to conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic pain, ADHD, and autism. Learn about nociplastic pain and how it parallels the experience of those with hypersensitive nervous systems. Discover the importance of empathy and validation in addressing chronic pain and neurodivergence, and join the conversation by subscribing to the Conquering Your Fibromyalgia podcast for more insightful stories.

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00:00 The Prince's Quest for a Real Princess
00:20 The Princess and the Pea Test
00:56 A Deeper Meaning: Sensitivity and Neurodivergence
01:20 Understanding Nociplastic Pain
01:54 The Struggles of Hypersensitivity
02:16 Sensory Processing in Autism
02:59 The Princess's Restless Night
03:35 Lessons in Compassion and Validation
04:42 Honoring Sensitivity with Empathy and Science
04:47 Subscribe for More Insights

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When I started this podcast and YouTube Channel—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. 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 29+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace per...