Ep 168 Is Fibromyalgia an Autoimmune Disease?

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Is Fibromyalgia an Autoimmune Disorder? In-Depth Review and AnalysisIn this episode, we explore whether fibromyalgia is an autoimmune disorder, discussing a comprehensive review published in August 2023 by Dr. Daniel Clauw and other experts. The episode covers the multifaceted nature of fibromyalgia, including its symptoms, diagnostic challenges, similarities to other conditions, and the roles of cognitive, emotional, and inflammatory factors. It also dives into whether the recognition of low grade inflammation in many chronic health conditions like diabetes, Alzheimer's, osteoarthritis and coronary artery disease can be extrapolated to fibromyalgia using a mouse study looking at antibodies when an animal model of fibromyalgia has never been developed. 00:00 Introduction to Fibromyalgia and Autoimmune Disorders00:46 Understanding Fibromyalgia: Symptoms and Prevalence01:45 Challenges in Diagnosing Fibromyalgia02:35 The Reality of Fibromyalgia: Scientific Evidence02:53 The Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual_Environmental Model of Pain05:31 The Role of Neuroinflammation and Gut Health10:35 Is Fibromyalgia an Autoimmune Disease?14:14 Fibromyalgia is not an Autoimmune disease23:47 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsClick here for the YouTube Channel  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...