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Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition where pain can be felt all over the body.
It’s a common condition that affects around 1 in 20 people, usually between the ages of 20 and 60. And, it’s much more common in women than in men. The main symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread pain. But other symptoms can vary from person to person, and include:
- Increased sensitivity to pain
- Muscle stiffness
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Headaches
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Feelings of frustration or worry
- Low mood
All symptoms can suddenly improve and suddenly get worse. This unpredictability, as well as an unknown cause, can negatively impact day-to-day life. And while treatments exist that can ease symptoms, they’re unlikely to ever disappear completely.
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick questionnaire on our website. Below we’ll be exploring CBD for fibromyalgia, different forms of CBD and safety considerations.
How can CBD help with fibromyalgia?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is just one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It’s an active compound that can cause drug-like effects throughout the body. However, unlike Tetrahydrocannabinolis (THC) which is another compound found in cannabis, CBD doesn’t produce a ‘high’.
The endocannabinoid system, or the ECS, is a messenger and receptor system that is integral to homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. The ECS influences and modulates pretty much every single function within your body, directing, correcting and managing your overall health.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. They’re one of the main reasons behind why cannabis works so positively on so many different conditions. Many experts believe that, by consuming compounds like CBD, it’s possible to interact with these receptors in the body, and ease symptoms of fibromyalgia including pain and inflammation.
Remember, whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how CBD may react with the body, it can affect every individual differently.
CBD for Chronic Pain Management and Sleep Disturbances in Fibromyalgia
CBD can potentially relieve pain by reducing inflammation when it indirectly interacts with the CB2 receptors.
In a 2022 study, CBD is shown to have a pronounced impact on pain, although participants also reported improved sleep and physical function. Many fibromyalgia patients suffer from insomnia and sleep disturbances due to pain. So, CBD for sleep improvement could also help towards improving quality of life for someone suffering from this condition.
Such findings are backed up by more studies, whereas other data implies a mix of THC and CBD may also prove effective. We explore this further below.
Research is ongoing to establish a reliable link between medical cannabis and fibromyalgia treatment, although the data that exists so far is promising. For instance, a 2019 paper concluded medical cannabis “appears to be a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms.”
More recently, a 2022 study was also optimistic, but was clear more fibromyalgia and medical cannabis research is needed.
Different Forms of CBD for Fibromyalgia Treatment
It’s hard to say what the best CBD products for fibromyalgia are because, like we said before, CBD can affect every individual differently. Some CBD products that may ease symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
Cannabis Edibles & Capsules: Consuming cannabis-infused ‘edibles’, like pastilles, or soft gel capsules, results in slower onset of effects, which can take between 1 to 2 hours. This method is ideal for longer-lasting relief.
Oils and Tinctures: Placing cannabis oil or tincture under the tongue provides a faster onset than edibles, usually within 15 to 30 minutes, and, like edible options, relief tends to last.
Cannabis Topicals (Creams, Balms, Patches): Applying cannabis-infused products directly to the skin targets localised pain and inflammation. Please note, you should only ever apply a medication topically if it has been advised by your doctor.
Is it Safe to Use CBD for Fibromyalgia?
Every medication comes with potential risks, and CBD products, including CBD oil for fibromyalgia treatment, are no different. Side effects are rare, and may vary depending on delivery method (e.g. oil, vaporiser, edible), and personal factors such as your past use, physiology and health condition. CBD specific side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in weight
Keep in mind that CBD products purchased over the counter aren’t strictly monitored. That’s why it may be better to seek the help of a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf, where you can find medication that contains both CBD and THC. It’s monitored, trusted and personalised to you and your symptoms.
With prescribed medical cannabis, you’ll also have access to expert advice and will receive guidance on dosage. If you’re new to CBD, understanding dosages can be confusing, as there are no set rules, and the correct dose can vary from person to person. Some of the factors that will influence your ideal CBD dosage for fibromyalgia include:
- Weight and body size
- Metabolism
- Your medical condition or symptoms
- The strength or ‘potency’
- Whether you are new to CBD or have built up some tolerance over time
- Your chosen method of consumption
The best thing you can always do is start low and go slow, and follow the advice of an expert.
Lots of the medication we prescribe at Alternaleaf combines THC, CBD and terpenes (the part of any plant that produces the smell and taste), because they can sometimes be greater together, due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. But, if you just want to stick to CBD, an alternative would be to buy CBD products from Alternaleaf’s Pharmacy, Montu Pharmacy. And because they’re non-prescription products, you can order them without a prescription, but still trust the source you’re purchasing from.
Summary
Although there’s some research to suggest medical cannabis could help with fibromyalgia pain relief, it’s clear that more is needed to be done to discover the true potential of this incredible plant, and to make it more accessible.
Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, sleep disturbances, or one of the other unpleasant side effects of fibromyalgia, you may be eligible for a medical cannabis prescription. The best thing to do is speak to your Doctor or clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second questionnaire.
If you have any questions, or want to learn more about medical cannabis and the potential benefits, head to the Alternaleaf website. Remember, it can be prescribed for 50+ conditions.