Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this podcast episode, hosted by Dr. Michael Lenz, guests Dr. Sarah Mueler and Lauren Hogan, both doctors of physical therapy, share their insights on managing chronic pain and related conditions like Fibromyalgia, POTS, Ehlers Danlos, and Chronic Fatigue syndrome. They discuss the multidimensional approach required for managing such conditions, detailing their personal journeys into physical therapy, the generalized training physical therapists receive, and the importance of specialized knowledge in chronic pain syndromes. They emphasize the role of the central nervous system in pain perception and the strategies they use for treating patients with nociplastic, centralized, or chronic overlapping pain syndromes, including the significance of patient education on pain understanding,  highlighting the impact of education on reducing pain, and fear associated with chronic conditions.00:00 Welcome to the Podcast: Unveiling the Power of Physical Therapy01:28 Introducing Our Special Guests: Trailblazers in Physical Therapy01:50 The Personal Journeys into Physical Therapy: Dr. Sarah Mueler and Lauren Hogan03:41 Understanding the Scope of Physical Therapy: From Generalists to Specialists04:43 Navigating the Complexities of Chronic Pain Syndromes in Physical Therapy08:15 The Long Game: Tailoring Physical Therapy for Chronic Conditions10:17 Decoding Pain: The Challenge of Diagnosing and Treating Nociplastic Pain21:29 Empowering Patients: Strategies for Managing Nociplastic Pain25:29 Wrapping Up Part One: The Importance of Understanding Pain International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Support the showWhen 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.* ...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Understanding ADHD in Adults and Its Comprehensive ManagementThis episode features the second part of an interview with ADHD experts Mindy and Jeffrey Katz. The discussion revolves around the prevalence and impact of ADHD not only in children but also in adults, emphasizing its significant role in the lives of those with chronic conditions like fibromyalgia. Various aspects such as the underdiagnosis of ADHD, the challenges posed by electronic medical records for healthcare professionals with ADHD, and the coping mechanisms for managing ADHD are explored. The episode also delves into the advancements in ADHD research, the issue of medication shortages, the importance of accurate diagnosis, and the concept of neurodiversity. It ends on the note of encouraging better education and awareness about ADHD among healthcare providers and the general public.00:00 Introduction to ADHD in Adults00:19 Understanding the Podcast and Its Host01:14 The Impact of ADHD on Chronic Pain Patients03:33 The Challenges of ADHD Diagnosis in Adults04:17 The Role of ADHD in Medical Professionals' Lives05:24 The Connection Between ADHD and Obesity06:17 The Struggles of Adults with ADHD14:25 The Impact of ADHD Diagnosis on Adults18:55 The Evolution of ADHD Understanding and Treatment33:56 The Importance of ADHD Screening and Diagnosis39:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 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 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.* ...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Understanding ADHD: Insights from Experts Mindy and Dr. Jeffrey KatzThe podcast episode features husband and wife duo, Mindy and Dr. Jeffrey Katz, who are experts in the field of ADHD. Mindy Katz, a life coach with a master's in social work, specializes in helping adults with ADHD using a variety of therapeutic approaches, including positive psychology and cognitive behavioral therapies. Dr. Jeffrey Katz is a psychologist focusing on ADHD, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems across all ages. The couple shared their backgrounds, insights into ADHD's impact on behavior and health, and the importance of understanding and acceptance in managing ADHD. They also discussed their experiences with the American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD) and CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), highlighting these organizations' roles in advancing research, education, and understanding of ADHD. The episode emphasized the challenges individuals with ADHD face, such as executive function issues, prioritization difficulties, and the need for motivational structures. The discussion aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of ADHD, shedding light on its complexities and the importance of targeted support and advocacy.00:00 Introduction to the Session00:27 Introducing the Special Guests: Mindy and Dr. Jeffrey Katz01:53 Understanding ADHD and Related Disorders02:44 The Importance of Conferences and Resources03:04 Welcoming Jeffrey and Mindy to the Podcast03:12  Background05:12 The Journey of Mindy and Jeffrey into the World of ADHD08:08 Understanding the American Professional Society for ADHD08:22 The Role of Chad in ADHD Advocacy15:17 The Challenges of ADHD and the Importance of Early Diagnosis22:40 The Impact of ADHD on Adults25:25 Understanding Executive Functions in ADHD27:37 The Struggle with Motivation in ADHD30:03 Conclusion and Key Takeaways International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Support the showWhen 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.* ...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Important insights from research are illuminating secrets of Chronic Pain in Children.This episode looks at research into the complexities of chronic pain among children. Dr. Lenz discusses the growing understanding that chronic pain often arises from how the central nervous system interprets  sensory inputs. The episode highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of chronic pain in altering its lifelong course. Also, it emphasizes that neuroimaging studies have found specific correlations in the brain with chronic pain, but more research is needed. 00:00 Introduction to Chronic Pain in Young People01:00 Meet Your Host, Dr. Michael Lenz01:44 The Struggles of Chronic Pain Patients02:55 The Prevalence of Chronic Pain in Children03:22 The Role of Pediatricians in Chronic Pain Management03:51 Understanding Nociplastic Pain05:10 The Importance of Early Identification and Treatment05:56 The Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study09:58 The Role of Genetics in Chronic Pain12:40 The Future of Chronic Pain Treatment13:18 Understanding the Risk Factors for Chronic Pain13:46 Is there a Role of Functional MRI in Chronic Pain Diagnosis19:09 The Impact of Sex Differences on Chronic Pain20:39 Conclusion: The Future of Chronic Pain Research22:15 Final Thoughts  International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Support the showWhen 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.* ...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions 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 Host01:11 Understanding Long COVID and Fibromyalgia05:13 Exploring the Symptoms of Long COVID06:37 The Overlap of Long COVID and Fibromyalgia Symptoms06:43 The History and Naming of Fibromyalgia12:08 The Biological Footprint of Long COVID?27:19 The Role of Psychological Factors in Nociplastic Conditions33:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Support the showWhen 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.* ...

This podcast delves into the expected impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on chronic pain, exploring the disruption it has caused in daily life. Dr. Lenz discusses the psychological, physical, and social stressors brought by the pandemic, as well as the potential health consequences. He also reflects on long-haul COVID and calls for effective strategies for chronic pain management.

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode Dr. Michael Lenz  explores the historical understanding of chronic pain that lacks visible physical symptoms. He discusses stigma against sufferers, hypochondria, historical sex bias in pain understanding, and the transition in recognizing non-visible pain as real with the advent of functional MRIs. Dr. Lenz makes a case for the necessity of understanding the complexity of pain beyond the classic biomedical model and acknowledging the historical roots of current attitudes towards pain for better pain management in the present .00:00 Introduction to Chronic Pain and Stigma01:06 Understanding the Host's Background01:58 Exploring the Concept of Pain02:41 The Historical Perspective of Pain03:49 The Concept of Mechanical Objectivity05:19 The Clinical Gaze and its Impact08:56 The Role of Medical History in Understanding Pain09:17 The Stigma and Misunderstanding of Chronic Pain09:33 The Problem of Pain Without Lesion10:33 The Role of Forensic Science in Understanding Pain11:36 The Impact of Sex and Social Status on Pain Perception15:06 The Impact of Stigma on Pain Perception15:49 The Role of Modern Medical Approaches in Understanding Pain20:39 The Role of Legal Cases in Understanding Pain27:31 Conclusion: The Historical Impact on Current Pain Perception29:07 Final Thoughts  International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Support the showWhen 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.* ...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions The podcast discusses the historical medical phenomena of 'Railway Spine', a post-accident "traumatic neurosis" condition noted in the 19th century, and its relevance to understanding modern chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia. This condition often arose after railroad accidents, showing symptoms similar to fibromyalgia such as pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. The podcast discusses how physicians struggled to diagnose this condition due to the lack of clear physical abnormalities and the role of psychological factors, exploring the theories of notable physicians like Dr. Erickson and Dr. Page. It also mentions how the exploration of railway spine led to modern understanding of conditions like fibromyalgia, known as software problems in contrast to the hardware problems of classic organic conditions. Dr. Lenz emphasizes the importance of historical perspectives to understand and manage fibromyalgia better in the present.00:00 Introduction to Railway Spine00:39 Understanding the Symptoms of Railway Spine00:54 Medical Dilemma and Physician's Response02:00 Historical Perspective and Modern Relevance03:08 Symptoms and Overlapping Conditions12:16 Theories of Pathophysiology14:55 Psychological Impact and Trauma22:00 Evolution of Medical Understanding25:37 Reflections and Conclusions International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Support the showWhen 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.* ...

Exploring the prestige rankings of medical conditions like leukemia compared to fibromyalgia, and the impact on patient care. Addressing the stigma and challenges faced by those with fibromyalgia, especially in relation to personal accountability. Examining the role of faith backgrounds in understanding pain and the historical context of chronic pain conditions.

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Prepare to be captivated as we unravel the poignant life story of Rosemary Kennedy, in conversation with renowned author Kate Clifford Larson. Offering a fresh perspective on the lesser-known Kennedy daughter, we explore the profound impact of the Montessori method of education in her life. A technique that encourages experiential learning, this method significantly contributed to Rosemary's personal growth and the positive experience it offered her serves as a testament to its efficacy. The joyful resonance this brought to the community around her is truly heartening to hear. However, our conversation takes a darker turn as we navigate through the despairing later stages of Rosemary's life. We grapple with the underlying struggles she faced upon her return from England and the unfathomable decision her father made in the hope of curing her. Larson brings us face to face with the grim realities of a misguided lobotomy - the veiled truths, the unchecked optimism of doctors, and the tragic aftermath. Rosemary's story serves as an important reminder of cherishing and supporting those differently-abled, shedding light on a harsh past we must remember. This is a riveting tale of resilience and tragedy, one you won't soon forget. International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Support the showWhen 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.* ...