Is CBD a Possible Answer for Those Suffering from Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia can be a seriously debilitating condition, and what’s frustrating is that there isn’t that much information about it compared to other chronic illnesses. Many people who suffer from fibromyalgia spend years trying to get a proper diagnosis, and from there, they find that treatment is limited. This condition is considered relatively new from a diagnostic perspective, which explains why the medical industry has done so little about it.

With an influx of fibromyalgia cases being diagnosed annually, it is hard to deny that finding the proper method of treatment is crucial. After all, fibromyalgia’s a chronic condition that can have serious negative effects on a person’s quality of life.

Interestingly, new studies show that cannabidiol (CBD) might hold the key to the management of one’s fibromyalgia symptoms. How? Well, because enough research has been done on the cannabinoid to show that CBD has the strong potential to alleviate many of the symptoms associated with the condition. Even more interestingly, CBD might be able to work with the root cause of the condition as well.

Before you go and buy that first CBD product that you see in the store or online, there are some very important things you need to know, as we will be discussing the basics of fibromyalgia before sharing some very promising research regarding CBD’s effects on the condition.

Facts About Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is classified as a chronic pain condition that affects the entire musculoskeletal system. Its cause is still relatively unknown, but it’s believed that factors that can contribute to the development of the condition are genetics, severe stress, physical trauma and problems with severe, chronic inflammation.

As of now, it’s believed that fibromyalgia affects between two and four percent of the population. However, many cases go undiagnosed, either due to poor diagnostic methods or a person’s lack of awareness that they may have the condition. So, it’s estimated that more people may have the condition than we may think.

What are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Typically, the first sign of fibromyalgia is chronic pain in one area of the body that doesn’t go away. Eventually, that pain spreads to the entire body, causing the muscles and joints to feel tender and sore on an ongoing basis.

Other symptoms include chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety and a weakened immune system. Some people may develop digestive troubles as well. Now, if you’ve chronic pain that doesn’t go away on its own after a month, you should see a doctor to rule out fibromyalgia.

How is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?

Currently, there are no definitive tests for fibromyalgia. Basically, a medical professional will examine a patient’s symptoms to determine whether or not the patient fits the criteria for the condition. They will initially want to take a series of tests to rule out other conditions.

One thing that a doctor will likely due is test pressure points throughout the body. It’s believed that fibromyalgia affects specific areas of the body more than others. So, the doctor will apply pressure to certain trigger points in order to test the amount of pain that this action causes.

How is Fibromyalgia Treated?

Currently, treatment options for fibromyalgia sufferers are limited, hence there is no real cure for it. Stil, the most popular treatment method is a medication that is geared toward the condition specifically. This medication may help with pain and fatigue, but it’s notorious for its side effects which include anxiety, depression and personality changes.

CBD and Its Potential Effects on Fibromyalgia

Many medical researchers have uncovered that cannabidiol may have a profoundly positive effect on fibromyalgia sufferers. This has to do with the unique way in which this cannabinoid works with the human body. CBD has been demonstrated by researchers to have the potential to treat a wide range of symptoms related to the condition.

How Does Our Endocannabinoid System (ECS) Play a Role in All of This?

CBD works with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that’s found in the human body. This system is in charge of homeostasis, which is a state in which all of the body’s systems are working properly and all of the processes are regulated. The ECS oversees the digestive system, endocrine system, immune system, and every other crucial system.

The endocannabinoid system makes cannabinoids that find their way to cannabinoid receptors (CB receptors) that exist all throughout the body. When these cannabinoids find these receptors, then these systems are regulated, along with the bodily processes that they’re in charge of are regulated as well. In other words, the endocannabinoid system is in charge of stabilizing things like mood, pain, digestion, internal temperature and more.

The issue is that many of us are lacking in cannabinoids. This is why CBD has become such a popular form of alternative medicine. It acts as a phytocannabinoid (a cannabinoid that comes from plants). However, when a person consumes CBD, the body sees it as any other cannabinoid and reacts by giving it to the ECS for use.

Taking CBD could potentially help a person manage fibromyalgia by regulating the many processes that are affected by this condition, i.e., pain & inflammation, mood, energy levels, etc.

In fact, some researchers believe that there may be a link between cannabinoid deficiency and chronic inflammatory conditions such as fibromyalgia. However, not enough research has been done to say for sure.

Interestingly, a few studies have shown a strong link between CBD consumption and relief from fibromyalgia symptoms. In Israel, fibromyalgia sufferers were administered CBD daily while under medical supervision. The study found that every patient felt relief from their pain as well as other symptoms after enough CBD had accumulated in their body.

In another study, 72 fibromyalgia patients were given CBD daily, and the results were recorded. The study found that every single patient experienced profound relief from their symptoms, and they were not taking any other medications or undergoing any other treatments during the trial.

Taking CBD for Fibromyalgia Management

Before taking CBD, let your doctor know first as they will want to know what you’re taking to treat your symptoms. Then, it’s very important that you find a high-quality product from a brand that’s known for being responsible and trustworthy. A lot of companies make weak, low-quality CBD out there, so doing your homework will ensure that you find a product that’s actually capable of delivering results.

You will also want to take a relatively high dose. We recommend the following:

• Tinctures with a concentration of 1000mg or higher
• Capsules at 750mg or higher.
• Edibles (gummies, drinks, mints, etc.) that have a total of 500mg or higher.
• Vapes (Pre-Filled Cartridges, Disposable Vape Pens, Pre-Filled Pods, and Bottled E-Juices) that have a total of 150mg or higher.
• Topicals (Creams, Lotions, Salves, Roll-Ons, Gels, etc.) that have 500mg or higher of a concentration would be ideal.

Using CBD daily is ideal because the compound seems to work best when it has accumulated in your body for some time. And, once again, such a high concentration will provide more noticeable effects.