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COVID-19 Pandemic and its Impact on Chronic Pain

In this episode Dr. Michael Lenz, he discusses the expected impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on increased levels of chronic pain based on a research article from the Journal of Pain. He explains how the pandemic has disrupted daily life across all sectors of society along with the various possibilities of chronic pain as a result of the COVID-19 virus. He discusses the psychological, physical and social stressors brought by the pandemic that potentially lead to chronic pain and other related health issues. Furthermore, he shares his thoughts regarding the condition known as long-haul COVID and chronic overlapping pain conditions. By the end of the episode, Dr. Lenz calls for effective strategies to mitigate the health consequences brought on by the pandemic as well as steps towards chronic pain management.

00:00 Introduction: A Personal Encounter with COVID-19
01:29 The Impact of COVID-19 on Chronic Pain
02:08 Meet Your Host: Dr. Michael Lenz
02:17 The Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual Model of Chronic Pain
02:43 The Disruption of Daily Life by the Pandemic
03:19 The Potential Health Consequences of COVID-19
04:43 The Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Workers
10:50 The Economic Impact of the Pandemic
11:49 The Role of Stress in Chronic Pain
15:53 The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health
16:15 The Future of Healthcare in the Wake of COVID-19
23:51 Conclusion: 

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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.

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