CBD and fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia, or fibromyalgia syndrome, is a chronic condition that causes diffuse pain and sensitivity to pressure. Due to the limited success of conventional treatments, many patients are turning to medical cannabis to manage the chronic pain and associated symptoms. Even if it is not a miracle cure, CBD (cannabidiol from hemp) is a great help for physical activity, quality sleep, and improved mental health. So, how can we alleviate the symptoms of this condition, which affects thousands of French people? Find out how to use CBD for fibromyalgia!

What is fibromyalgia?

Definition

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease characterised by acute musculoskeletal pain. It is usually also accompanied by severe fatigue, mood disorders, and sleep disorders. Unfortunately, its cause is still unclear, and flares of pain have varying durations. Although the cause of fibromyalgia is unclear, triggers have been identified: genetic background, infection, microtrauma in the muscles, or emotional events such as a death. The pain is usually persistent, dull, variable, and chronic. Joint pain presents as swelling in the painful areas, which is aggravated by exertion, cold, dampness, lack of sleep, and intense emotions. Please note that in most cases, the disease affects women (two-thirds of patients).

Symptoms

Before we look at CBD as a treatment for fibromyalgia, it is important to recognise the symptoms. Tender points are usually found where light pressure is enough to cause intense pain in the back of the head, chest, shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. The main symptoms are as follows:

• anxiety;
• fatigue;
• depression;
• headaches;
• sleep disorders.

The problem is that these symptoms create a vicious circle as they perpetuate the pain associated with fibromyalgia itself. For example, lack of sleep or physical activity can lead to muscle deconditioning.

The benefits of CBD for fibromyalgia

Nowadays, there is no specific and effective drug treatment for fibromyalgia. This is why alternative solutions have emerged, including the use of CBD for fibromyalgia. Cannabidiol (CBD) comes from the hemp plant: it is a non-psychoactive and completely natural compound found in certain strains of cannabis (this is why it is called medical cannabis). CBD acts directly on the endocannabinoid system, and has many benefits:

• Pain reduction: cannabinoids act on the pain receptors of the nervous system, thus actively reducing and relieving pain.
• Relaxation: CBD for fibromyalgia helps to reduce muscle stiffness.
• Better sleep: taking CBD before going to bed helps you fall asleep and improves the quality of your sleep.
• Reduction in stress and anxiety: there is no substitute for an improved mood to boost patients’ morale and produce more endorphins, the happiness hormone.

CBD and fibromyalgia: how does it work?

The beneficial effect of CBD in fibromyalgia can be explained by the way it affects the brain and reduces the intensity of pain signals from the nervous system. Medical cannabis provides a noticeable reduction in pain and stiffness, and increases the feeling of well-being and lethargy. All of this actively contributes to a better quality of life for the majority of patients. Some studies claim that the use of CBD for fibromyalgia is more effective than the 3 FDA-approved drugs available on the US market! This condition is specifically caused by a deficiency of endocannabinoids, which leads to extreme pain which is difficult to understand. By stimulating the endocannabinoid system with phytochanabinoids such as CBD, a reduction in pain and inflammation can be achieved.

CBD and fibromyalgia: what does the science say?

An effective supplement to conventional treatments...

Numerous studies and clinical trials are being carried out to determine relevant treatments for fibromyalgia, including CBD. As fibromyalgia may be related to decreased function of the endocannabinoid system, CBD may be able to make the pain more bearable. Cannabidiol is also seen as a very effective addition to complement more conventional medicines, as hemp extracts maximise the effects of duloxetine, milnacipran, and pregabalin (often prescribed to alleviate the effects of fibromyalgia). Conventional painkillers are of little use and can cause side effects, unlike when CBD is used for fibromyalgia. Pain, memory loss, and sleep: there are numerous benefits of CBD for this condition.

... and it is an alternative to medicines

The use of CBD for fibromyalgia shows very promising results. For all patients who do not respond to conventional treatments or who are not satisfied, it is a 100% natural alternative with no health risks. The World Health Organization (WHO) itself has presented the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD in numerous reports. Like acupuncture, meditation, or consuming "superfoods", CBD is an alternative medicine. Studies on its impact on pain, sleep disorders, and anxiety are very encouraging, although more specific studies are still needed to accurately identify CBD’s mechanisms of action on fibromyalgia.

How should CBD be taken for fibromyalgia?

Dosage and strain

The CBD dosage for fibromyalgia depends on many factors: the product used, your sensitivity, your morphology (height and weight), the intensity of your pain, etc. The dosage will therefore vary from one person to another. You should always start with a low dose of CBD, and then gradually increase the dose depending on how you feel until you obtain the desired effect and effectively relieve your pain. All patients react differently to cannabinoids, so you also need to find the specific CBD strain that meets your personal needs.

Method of administration

To consume CBD for fibromyalgia, there are several options available to you ranging from oral administration, sublingual administration, or direct application to the skin. :

• CBD oil: cannabidiol oil can be administered by placing a few drops under the tongue, using it in cooking, or massaging the oil into painful areas.
• CBD capsules: these capsules contain CBD oil. They are very easy to consume, and have a milder taste than CBD oil.
• CBD teas: you can also choose an infusion of CBD flowers with a little vegetable oil for quick relief, as required. Infusions can be consumed at any time of the day.

Further information on CBD oil

Let’s take a look at the use of CBD oil for fibromyalgia as this is one of the most common methods of administration. You can apply it to the skin as soon as you feel extreme pain, and then massage it away. When consumed sublingually, CBD oil is fast-acting as the active ingredients enter the bloodstream without being broken down by digestion. All these methods reduce pain and inflammation. Simply choose a high quality CBD oil to improve your health and ensure that all ingredients are organically grown and natural. At The CBD Farm, you’ll find premium full spectrum cannabidiol to treat your fibromyalgia and see real improvement in your symptoms. Control your pain with this natural and perfectly legal solution, provided that the product does not exceed 0.2% THC.