Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Understanding Fibromyalgia Flares Through Motion Sickness in Autism and ADHDJoin Dr. Michael Lenz as he explores the connection between motion sickness and fibromyalgia flares, particularly in individuals with autism and ADHD. Discover how sensory processing differences and predictive coding play a role in chronic pain and stress responses. Learn practical strategies for reducing unpredictability and supporting neurodivergent individuals living with fibromyalgia and other pain syndromes. Like, subscribe, and share for more science-based insights into chronic pain and neurodiversity.00:00 Introduction: Motion Sickness and Fibromyalgia00:37 Understanding Motion Sickness01:32 Neurodivergence and Sensory Processing02:09 Fibromyalgia and Sensory Mismatch03:25 Managing Life with Neurodivergence03:52 Compassionate Interventions04:14 Conclusion: Insights and Support Support the showWhen 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...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Exploring ADHD and Perimenopausal Symptoms: Insights from a Recent StudyIn this episode, we examine the intersection of ADHD and perimenopausal symptoms using a recent cohort study from Iceland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. The study aimed to fill a knowledge gap about the impact of perimenopause on women with ADHD. Findings indicated that women with ADHD experience more severe and earlier onset perimenopausal symptoms compared to women without ADHD. The discussion highlights major findings, methodology, potential confounding factors, and the implications for healthcare professionals and women with ADHD. Tune in for a comprehensive look at this significant research!Watch on YouTube Here00:00 Introduction to the Study00:23 Research Goals and Hypotheses01:16 Study Methodology03:17 Key Findings on Symptom Burden05:26 Age and Timing of Symptoms06:23 Contributing Factors and Comorbidities07:38 Implications for Healthcare08:39 Study Limitations and Future Research10:00 Conclusion and Call to Action Support the showWhen 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...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Unveiling the Truth: CBD, Marijuana and Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain - Groundbreaking Research FindingsJoin us in this episode as we welcome Marianne Rasmussen, a health scientist with extensive experience in fibromyalgia research, to discuss a pivotal study on the efficacy of CBD in treating fibromyalgia. Marianne shares her journey from a registered nurse to a PhD researcher, her passion for fibromyalgia patients, and the surprising results of her rigorous trial. Despite high hopes, the study revealed no significant benefits of CBD over placebo for pain, quality of life, or functional ability. We delve into the recruitment process, the importance of patient care, and the broader implications of these findings. This enlightening conversation sheds light on the complex world of fibromyalgia treatment and the power of compassionate healthcare. Don't miss this deep dive into cutting-edge research and its impact on patient care.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:36 Guest Background and Experience02:27 Motivation Behind the Study03:59 Study Design and Methodology06:21 Key Findings and Surprising Results08:14 Patient Recruitment and Randomization11:24 Treatment Details and Side Effects16:36 Placebo Effect and Patient Care24:27 Broader Implications and Recommendations31:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Click here for the YouTube channel Support the showWhen 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...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Understanding the Link Between ADHD and Trauma with Dr. Iris ManorJoin us as we explore the intricate connections between ADHD, PTSD, and trauma with Dr. Iris Manor, a renowned child and adolescent psychiatrist and director of the lifespan ADHD clinic at Gaha Mental Health Clinic. In this in-depth discussion, Dr. Manor sheds light on why individuals with ADHD are more prone to developing traumatic stress disorders and PTSD, backed by research and case studies. We delve into the biological, behavioral, and environmental factors contributing to these conditions, as well as the essential treatment and management strategies. Dr. Manor also emphasizes the importance of treating ADHD to mitigate the impact of trauma and provides valuable insights into the role of family dynamics in recovery. Whether you're a clinician, a parent, or someone living with ADHD and trauma, this episode offers vital information and practical advice.Watch on YouTube Here00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Special Guest01:19 Understanding the Link Between ADHD and Trauma03:20 Behavioral and Biological Explanations05:22 Genetic and Environmental Factors07:53 Impact of Trauma on ADHD14:16 COVID-19 as a Trauma and Its Effects19:23 Treatment and Resilience Strategies26:05 Positive Magic Circle for PTSD and ADHD26:31 Screening Parents for ADHD and PTSD26:49 Diagnosing and Treating Families29:22 Challenges in Treating ADHD and PTSD31:36 Emotional Dysregulation and ADHD33:48 Medications for Emotional Dysregulation36:23 Autism, ADHD, and Trauma39:07 The Impact of Trauma on ADHD44:48 ADHD Awareness and Treatment Click here for the YouTube channel International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Joy LenzFibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start.  Support the showWhen 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...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions The Princess and the Pea: A Tale of Sensitivity and NeurodivergenceExplore 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.Watch on Youtube Here00:00 The Prince's Quest for a Real Princess00:20 The Princess and the Pea Test00:56 A Deeper Meaning: Sensitivity and Neurodivergence01:20 Understanding Nociplastic Pain01:54 The Struggles of Hypersensitivity02:16 Sensory Processing in Autism02:59 The Princess's Restless Night03:35 Lessons in Compassion and Validation04:42 Honoring Sensitivity with Empathy and Science04:47 Subscribe for More Insights Support the showWhen 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...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this enlightening episode, we welcome special guest Luke Thompson, who has a diverse background as a philosophy professor, pastor, author, and theology professor. Luke shares his insights on existential questions, particularly focusing on how different worldviews interpret pain and suffering. He delves into the perspectives of renowned philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche, contrasting them with Christian viewpoints, especially those of St. Augustine and the biblical book Ecclesiastes. Through an engaging dialogue, Luke discusses the significance of having a meta-narrative and the implications of living with or without transcendent meaning. This conversation promises to provide profound reflections for anyone grappling with chronic pain, existential questions, or the search for purpose in life.With on YouTube Here00:00 Introduction to Our Special Guest: Luke Thompson00:42 Understanding Fibromyalgia: A Chronic Pain Condition01:26 Exploring Different Spiritual Paradigms01:47 Existence vs. Essence: Sartre and Augustine05:15 The Meaning of Pain and Suffering07:54 The Concept of Metanarrative12:57 Solomon's Wisdom: Everything is Meaningless17:37 Nietzsche's Madman Parable: God is Dead22:59 Short-Term vs. Cosmic Meaning28:47 The Source of Human Value30:17 The Role of Curiosity in Science32:45 Understanding Pain and Suffering35:24 Finding Meaning in Life's Pleasures38:21 The Christian Metanarrative47:08 The Importance of a Metanarrative50:36 The Impact of Losing a Metanarrative55:03 The Deeper Why Questions01:00:13 Final Thoughts and Reflections Click here for the YouTube channel International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Joy LenzFibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start.  Support the showWhen 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...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions The Science Behind Music's Power to Relieve Chronic PainFeeling trapped by chronic pain and dependent on pills? Discover how music can rewire your nervous system and alleviate pain, anxiety, and depression. Join Dr. Michael Lenz as he delves into robust scientific evidence—from randomized controlled trials to systemic reviews—that highlight music's efficacy in treating chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia. Learn how self-chosen music, through mechanisms involving neurochemicals like beta endorphin and oxytocin, can act as your brain’s natural pharmacy. Dr. Lenz provides practical takeaways on harnessing the power of music to activate your body's internal pain relief systems, reduce stress hormones, and improve emotional well-being.Watch on YouTube Here00:00 Introduction: Music as Medicine01:20 Scientific Evidence: Music's Impact on Pain03:31 Mechanisms of Music-Induced Analgesia04:26 Neurochemicals and Pain Relief08:21 Practical Applications and Benefits09:54 Conclusion: Harnessing the Power of Music Support the showWhen 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...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode of the Conquering Your Fibromyalgia podcast, host Mike introduces the podcast's first medical doctor guest, Dr. Maureen Allen. Dr. Allen shares her extensive journey from being a nurse to becoming a family medicine physician and an emergency medicine expert in Nova Scotia, Canada. The episode dives deep into the complexities of managing chronic pain, explaining how palliative care intersects with chronic pain treatment and the challenges patients face in finding the right care. They discuss the distinctions between acute and chronic pain, the role of emergency departments, and the need for a bottom-up approach to pain management. Dr. Allen also highlights the importance of patient education and shares insights from her own practice to help listeners understand and manage chronic pain more effectively.Watch on YouTube HERE00:00 Welcome to the Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast00:10 Introducing Dr. Maureen Allen00:55 Dr. Allen's Medical Journey01:54 Chronic Pain and Palliative Care02:36 Addressing Misconceptions About Substance Use04:00 Challenges in Diagnosing Fibromyalgia05:39 Pain Education and Management in Canada09:08 Emergency Departments and Pain Management13:09 Understanding Chronic Pain Flare-ups20:13 Patient Concerns and Misdiagnoses23:29 Understanding Chronic Pain24:22 Acute Pain vs. Chronic Pain25:30 Pain Protective Behaviors27:33 The Role of Exercise in Pain Management32:27 The Intersection of Anxiety and Pain36:05 The Importance of Education and Support40:29 Real Stories and Hope Click here for the YouTube channel International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Support the showWhen 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...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode, we welcome Amy Larocca, author of 'How to Be Well: Navigating Our Self-Care Epidemic, one Dubious Cure at a Time'. Amy joins us to discuss the intersection of fashion and wellness, chronic invisible illnesses, and the deceptive allure of the wellness industry. From her observations as a fashion journalist to her personal experiences and deep dive into the world of wellness, Amy reveals the psychological and cultural forces at play. We explore the commercialization of self-care, the rise of wellness trends, and the problematic blend of functional medicine with profit-driven motives. Amy also touches on the controversial role of celebrities, such as Gwyneth Paltrow, in promoting pseudoscience, and the constant societal pressure on women to achieve an unattainable standard of 'wellness'. Join us as we dissect the myths of the wellness industry and delve into the true meaning of self-care.Watch on YouTube Here00:00 The Origins of a Name00:22 Introducing Amy Larocca: From Fashion to Wellness01:11 The Intersection of Fashion and Wellness02:37 The Rise of Wellness Trends04:10 Motherhood and Wellness06:59 Gwyneth Paltrow and the Goop Phenomenon17:13 The Allure and Pitfalls of Functional Medicine23:49 The Growing Gap in Healthcare Access25:21 Debunking Health Myths25:43 The Juice Cleanse Phenomenon28:41 Balancing Humor and Seriousness in Health29:04 The Absurdity of Health Trends30:35 The Exploitation of Wellness39:36 Biohacking and Its Implications41:32 The Role of Lifestyle Medicine43:35 Concluding Thoughts on Wellness Click here for the YouTube channel International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Support the showWhen 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...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions New Breakthrough: The Neurobiological Basis of Fibromyalgia Pain RevealedAre you or a loved one struggling with widespread pain often dismissed as stress-induced? Dr. Michael Lenz uncovers groundbreaking data showing that such pain is linked to measurable changes in the brain's structure. This episode delves into a massive study involving over 40,000 participants from the UK Biobank, validating the fibromyalgia index (FMI) as a reliable marker for nociplastic pain, especially seen in fibromyalgia. Key findings spotlight the altered structural connectivity within brain regions like the periaqueductal gray and amygdala, elucidating the link between chronic pain and symptoms such as fatigue and depression. Tune in to grasp a deeper understanding of the biological underpinnings of nociplastic pain and its ramifications for targeted treatments.Watch on Youtube Here00:00 Introduction to Nociplastic Pain01:32 Groundbreaking Study on Fibromyalgia Index01:52 Understanding Nociplastic Pain and Fibromyalgia02:52 Brain Networks and Pain Modulation04:08 Key Findings on Structural Connectivity04:53 Specific Brain Circuits and Symptoms06:10 Mediation Models and Symptom Domains07:10 Specificity of the Fibromyalgia Index07:48 Conclusion and Key Takeaways08:16  Final Thoughts Support the showWhen 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...