Fibromyalgia is a chronically debilitating condition with symptoms ranging from chronic diffuse pain, lack of sleep, migraines, constant fatigue, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and joint pain/inflammation.
Every case is different, with everyone having a variety of symptoms ranging from just one to all of them.
A close cousin, Myofascial Pain Syndrom (MPS) is considered a subtype. Patients with this form have a heightened sense of pain from abnormal processing of signals in the central nervous system.
Run of the mill medication has not been successful in treating this debilitating condition, but cannabis has been showing real promise.
Medication Buffet
For anyone suffering fibromyalgia, their day most likely consists of a wide variety of medications.
Pills are taken down routinely with water to suppress symptoms and reduce the pain of day to day life. The problem with suppressing and reducing pain is that it doesn’t address the root issue.
Opioids, sleeping pills and anti-depressants aren’t a long term solution, and a very weak short term one at that. This is where cannabis comes into play.
Research has shown that people who suffer from fibromyalgia often suffer from an endocannabinoid irregularity. Higher levels of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter that when built of can cause damage and inflammation. It’s been shown that sufferers also have larger amounts of inflammatory compounds in their blood.
Cannabis has shown to have great anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the ability to regulate our endocannabinoid system.
Several studies have investigated the effectiveness of cannabinoid treatment in fibromyalgia patients.
- A small group of fibromyalgia patients who received daily doses of THC and no other pain medications reported a significant reduction in daily recorded pain.
- The synthetic cannabinoid called nabilone improved symptoms in 40 patients with fibromyalgia in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
- A recent study from Spain reported that patients who used cannabis had a statistically significant reduction in pain and stiffness, enhancement of relaxation, and improved sleep with an increased feeling of well being.
Fibromyalgia Treatment with Cannabis – Healing in a Natural Way
A natural medicine with almost supernatural results seems too good to be true. And every time I see what else marijuana can improve on or cure is amazing. Add fibromyalgia to the list of ailments getting the boot thanks to cannabis.
For the best results, a mix of CBD and THC is optimal for treating fibromyalgia.
Tinctures with the right CBD to THC ratio or extract can be used during the day as it doesn’t induce any psychoactive effects but still greatly improves the condition.
You can add a 1:1 ratio or THC-rich product at night for assistance with sleeping. Finding the perfect regimen for you takes time, but when you hit the sweet spot, your quality of life will improve.