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Navigating Chronic Pain and Pseudoscientific Treatments: A Deep Dive

The podcast episode features a conversation centered around the challenges and misconceptions in treating chronic conditions like fibromyalgia and ADHD. Topics covered include the shortcomings of mainstream medicine, supply issues of necessary medications, and the appeal of pseudoscientific treatments. Discussions extend to alternative therapies like EMDR for PTSD, their scientific validity, and potential psychological benefits. The episode critiques pseudoscientific grifts in wellness industries, emphasizes the importance of evidence-based medical approaches, and shares personal anecdotes to underline the significance of comprehensive, scientifically grounded care. The conversation concludes by advocating for skepticism over cynicism and the ethical duty of clinicians to empower patients with accurate information.

00:00 Introduction and Patient Case Study
00:05 Challenges with Fibromyalgia and ADHD
00:31 Alternative Medicine and Root Causes
01:43 Mainstream Medicine vs. Alternative Medicine
03:08 Exploring EMDR Therapy
03:54 The Purple Hat Metaphor
05:15 Debate on EMDR's Effectiveness
08:05 Neuroimaging and Mental Health Diagnosis
11:54 Critique of Alternative Pain Models
16:55 Red Flags in Evaluating Therapies
19:08 Personal Story and Motivation
22:14 Final Thoughts and Advocacy

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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...