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5 Lesser-Known Symptoms of Fibromyalgia: Understanding the Hidden Clues

This episode addresses the frustration of constantly feeling pain and fatigue despite normal medical tests and discusses fibromyalgia as a possible cause. It highlights five often-missed symptoms of fibromyalgia: extreme skin sensitivity (allodynia), non-cardiac chest pain (costochondritis), vision problems and sensory overload, pelvic and bladder issues (similar to interstitial cystitis), and widespread burning, tingling, or numbness (paresthesia). The goal is to provide viewers with information and validation to facilitate better conversations with their doctors, helping them feel more in control of their health. The episode emphasizes that fibromyalgia symptoms are real and offers hope for a path forward.

00:00 Introduction: The Frustration of Unexplained Pain
00:24 The Mystery of Fibromyalgia
01:11 Symptom 1: Extreme Skin Sensitivity (Allodynia)
02:49 Symptom 2: Non-Cardiac Chest Pain (Costochondritis)
05:17 Symptom 3: Vision Problems and Sensory Overload
07:11 Symptom 4: Pelvic and Bladder Issues
09:10 Symptom 5: Widespread Burning, Numbness, and Tingling
11:05 Conclusion: Empowering Your Health Journey

Support the show

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...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

Debunking Myths About Fibromyalgia Diagnosis: A Doctor's Reaction to Naturopathic Claims

Dr. Michael Lenz reacts to a naturopath's controversial statements about fibromyalgia diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based medicine. He discusses the legitimacy of fibromyalgia as a real condition characterized by altered pain processing in the central nervous system. Dr. Lenz debunks myths about root causes like mold toxicity, food sensitivities, adrenal fatigue, and mitochondrial dysfunction, advocating for a holistic, science-based approach to managing these chronic invisible illnesses, also known as nociplastic pain syndromes, which fibromyalgia epitomizes.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Story
01:04 Controversy Around Fibromyalgia Diagnosis
01:56 Understanding Fibromyalgia: Symptoms and Diagnosis
03:12 Challenges with Fibromyalgia Diagnosis
04:58 Functional Medicine Perspective
13:39 Debunking Functional Medicine Claims
15:07 Evidence-Based Solutions for Fibromyalgia
18:50 Conclusion and Call to Action

Support the show

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...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

Understanding Fibromyalgia Flares Through Motion Sickness in Autism and ADHD

Join 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 Fibromyalgia
00:37 Understanding Motion Sickness
01:32 Neurodivergence and Sensory Processing
02:09 Fibromyalgia and Sensory Mismatch
03:25 Managing Life with Neurodivergence
03:52 Compassionate Interventions
04:14 Conclusion: Insights and Support

Support the show

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...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

Exploring ADHD and Perimenopausal Symptoms: Insights from a Recent Study

In 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 Here

00:00 Introduction to the Study
00:23 Research Goals and Hypotheses
01:16 Study Methodology
03:17 Key Findings on Symptom Burden
05:26 Age and Timing of Symptoms
06:23 Contributing Factors and Comorbidities
07:38 Implications for Healthcare
08:39 Study Limitations and Future Research
10:00 Conclusion and Call to Action

Support the show

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...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

Unveiling the Truth: CBD, Marijuana and Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain - Groundbreaking Research Findings

Join 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 Welcome
00:36 Guest Background and Experience
02:27 Motivation Behind the Study
03:59 Study Design and Methodology
06:21 Key Findings and Surprising Results
08:14 Patient Recruitment and Randomization
11:24 Treatment Details and Side Effects
16:36 Placebo Effect and Patient Care
24:27 Broader Implications and Recommendations
31:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Click here for the YouTube channel

Support the show

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...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

Understanding the Link Between ADHD and Trauma with Dr. Iris Manor

Join 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 Here

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Special Guest
01:19 Understanding the Link Between ADHD and Trauma
03:20 Behavioral and Biological Explanations
05:22 Genetic and Environmental Factors
07:53 Impact of Trauma on ADHD
14:16 COVID-19 as a Trauma and Its Effects
19:23 Treatment and Resilience Strategies
26:05 Positive Magic Circle for PTSD and ADHD
26:31 Screening Parents for ADHD and PTSD
26:49 Diagnosing and Treating Families
29:22 Challenges in Treating ADHD and PTSD
31:36 Emotional Dysregulation and ADHD
33:48 Medications for Emotional Dysregulation
36:23 Autism, ADHD, and Trauma
39:07 The Impact of Trauma on ADHD
44:48 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 Lenz

Fibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start. 

Support the show

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...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

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.

Watch on Youtube Here

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

Support the show

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...

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 Here

00:00 Introduction to Our Special Guest: Luke Thompson
00:42 Understanding Fibromyalgia: A Chronic Pain Condition
01:26 Exploring Different Spiritual Paradigms
01:47 Existence vs. Essence: Sartre and Augustine
05:15 The Meaning of Pain and Suffering
07:54 The Concept of Metanarrative
12:57 Solomon's Wisdom: Everything is Meaningless
17:37 Nietzsche's Madman Parable: God is Dead
22:59 Short-Term vs. Cosmic Meaning
28:47 The Source of Human Value
30:17 The Role of Curiosity in Science
32:45 Understanding Pain and Suffering
35:24 Finding Meaning in Life's Pleasures
38:21 The Christian Metanarrative
47:08 The Importance of a Metanarrative
50:36 The Impact of Losing a Metanarrative
55:03 The Deeper Why Questions
01:00:13 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 Lenz

Fibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start. 

Support the show

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...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

The Science Behind Music's Power to Relieve Chronic Pain

Feeling 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 Here

00:00 Introduction: Music as Medicine
01:20 Scientific Evidence: Music's Impact on Pain
03:31 Mechanisms of Music-Induced Analgesia
04:26 Neurochemicals and Pain Relief
08:21 Practical Applications and Benefits
09:54 Conclusion: Harnessing the Power of Music

Support the show

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...

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 HERE

00:00 Welcome to the Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast
00:10 Introducing Dr. Maureen Allen
00:55 Dr. Allen's Medical Journey
01:54 Chronic Pain and Palliative Care
02:36 Addressing Misconceptions About Substance Use
04:00 Challenges in Diagnosing Fibromyalgia
05:39 Pain Education and Management in Canada
09:08 Emergency Departments and Pain Management
13:09 Understanding Chronic Pain Flare-ups
20:13 Patient Concerns and Misdiagnoses
23:29 Understanding Chronic Pain
24:22 Acute Pain vs. Chronic Pain
25:30 Pain Protective Behaviors
27:33 The Role of Exercise in Pain Management
32:27 The Intersection of Anxiety and Pain
36:05 The Importance of Education and Support
40:29 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 show

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...