Ep 233 The Sound of Relief: Transforming Chronic Pain with Music

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...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Navigating Chronic Pain and Pseudoscientific Treatments: A Deep DiveThe 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 Study00:05 Challenges with Fibromyalgia and ADHD00:31 Alternative Medicine and Root Causes01:43 Mainstream Medicine vs. Alternative Medicine03:08 Exploring EMDR Therapy03:54 The Purple Hat Metaphor05:15 Debate on EMDR's Effectiveness08:05 Neuroimaging and Mental Health Diagnosis11:54 Critique of Alternative Pain Models16:55 Red Flags in Evaluating Therapies19:08 Personal Story and Motivation22:14 Final Thoughts and Advocacy 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 Navigating Mental Health and Chronic Illness: Cutting Through Pseudoscience with Dr. Jonathan SteaIn this episode, clinical psychologist and science communicator Dr. Jonathan Stea joins the show to discuss the intersection of chronic illness and mental health. As an advocate against pseudoscience, Dr. Stea offers insights on identifying and avoiding predatory wellness trends while finding effective, evidence-based treatments. Highlighting the multifaceted reasons why people turn to alternative therapies, Dr. Stea emphasizes the importance of accurate information and ethical healthcare practices. The conversation addresses the proliferation of pseudoscientific diagnoses and the complex factors contributing to misinformation in the wellness industry.00:00 Introduction: Navigating the Maze of Mental Health and Wellness00:20 Meet Dr. Jonathan Stea: Separating Fact from Fiction00:46 The Rise of Alternative Therapies04:26 Understanding the Appeal of Pseudoscience05:57 The Cognitive and Social Factors at Play10:58 The Allure of Integrative and Functional Medicine18:24 The Harmful Impact of Pseudoscience19:57 Common Pseudoscientific Practices in Mental Health21:47 The Danger of Fake Diagnoses23:57 Conclusion: The Need for Evidence-Based Understanding 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 Unmasking Medical Misinformation with Scott CarneyIn this episode, we delve into the intricate world of health, wellness, and medical misinformation with Scott Carney, a medical anthropologist and investigative journalist. Scott shares his journey from academia to mainstream journalism, exposing fraudulent practices in the wellness industry. The conversation navigates the challenges of differentiating evidence-based medicine from pseudoscientific claims, the rise of wellness gurus exploiting vulnerable populations, and the complex nature of health solutions in the digital age. Scott reveals the manipulative tactics of influencers like Mark Hyman and products like AG1, highlighting the psychological and financial pitfalls of believing in unproven therapies. The discussion also addresses the broader implications of this trend, including the erosion of trust in legitimate authorities and the increasing difficulty of finding reliable health information online. Scott advocates for critical thinking, skepticism, and staying informed to avoid falling prey to health scams.00:00 Introduction to Scott Carney01:00 Scott Carney's Background and Career02:04 The Wellness Industry and Evidence-Based Medicine03:59 Challenges in Evaluating Medical Claims04:52 Historical Medical Practices and Modern Misconceptions07:11 The Internet's Role in Health Misinformation12:57 Functional Medicine and Its Pitfalls19:44 The Business of Health Influencers22:42 Case Study: Athletic Greens (AG1)31:48 The Future of Health Information and Skepticism39:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 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 Transforming Health Over 50: Maxim Segouin on Plant-Based Living and FitnessIn this episode of the Conquering Your Fibromyalgia podcast, we continue our conversation with Maxim Seguin, who delves deeper into the mindset shifts, daily habits, and powerful stories that have enabled countless individuals to transform their health through a plant-based lifestyle and physical movement. Seguin shares invaluable insights on the importance of protein and fiber, mindset barriers, and the benefits of strength training, especially for individuals over 50. He also highlights the role of community support and practical strategies for integrating fitness and healthier eating into one's life. This episode is packed with inspiring stories and actionable advice for anyone looking to improve their well-being.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:43 Protein vs. Fiber: What's More Important?01:54 Mindset and Coaching Strategies05:00 Success Stories and Transformations08:47 Key Habits for Health After 5010:53 Why Focus on People Over 50?12:29 The Importance of Strength Training17:12 Debunking Fitness and Nutrition Myths20:10 Overcoming Barriers to Change22:13 The Power of Supportive Relationships24:28 Fit Vegan Program and Community33:51 Conclusion and Key Takeaways 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 Maximizing Vitality: Movement, Nutrition, and Mindset In this episode of Conquering Your Fibromyalgia, Dr. Michael Lenz discusses the benefits of movement for chronic pain and fatigue with Maxim Sigouin, host of the Fit Vegan Podcast. They explore overcoming exercise fears, pacing, recognizing soreness, and balancing nutrition with plant-based diets. Key takeaways include starting small, listening to your body, and celebrating progress. Ideal for those with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, or anyone looking to improve strength and energy.00:00 Introduction to Conquering Fibromyalgia01:23 Meet Maxim Sieging: A Journey to Plant-Based Living02:49 Transformative Stories and Starting Small05:03 Finding the Right Balance in Exercise09:24 Understanding Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)12:46 Pacing and Assessing Your Fitness Level21:58 The Role of Nutrition in Fitness and Health27:04 Vegan vs. Whole Food Plant-Based Diets30:13 Practical Meal Ideas for a Plant-Based Diet33:10 Conclusion and Key Takeaways 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 Beyond Weight Loss: Chuck Carroll's Transformative Journey with Chronic Pain and Invisible IllnessIn this episode, we share a compelling and deeply personal interview with Chuck Carroll, host of the Exam Room Podcast, originally featured on the Fit Vegan Podcast. Known as the Weight Loss Champion, Chuck's journey extends far beyond shedding over 200 pounds. He discusses his experiences with addiction, trauma, and invisible illnesses including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and disorders of gut-brain interaction. Chuck's story sheds light on the complex relationship between diet, chronic pain, and mental health, touching on his struggles with binge eating and the limitations of conventional treatments. Through candid recounting and medical insights, Chuck highlights the importance of a holistic approach to managing chronic conditions. His journey is a powerful reminder of resilience, hope, and the ongoing battle many face in their search for wellness.00:00 Introduction: Challenging Beliefs About Chronic Pain and Weight00:20 Meet Chuck Carroll: The Weight Loss Champion's Hidden Struggles01:03 Living with Chronic Pain: Chuck's Personal Battle02:37 The Reality of Binge Eating and Early Health Struggles04:39 Considering Gastric Surgery: A Desperate Measure06:49 Post-Surgery Realizations and Dietary Changes08:52 The Shift to a Plant-Based Diet14:11 Facing New Health Challenges: Gut-Brain Disorders17:25 The Role of Stress and Emotional Turmoil19:29 Navigating Chronic Pain and Seeking Answers35:00 Support Systems and Coping Mechanisms38:12 Conclusion: Resilience and Advocacy 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...