Treating Fibromyalgia with Medical Cannabis

Fibromyalgia is the most common musculoskeletal condition after osteoarthritis. Still, it is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. Its characteristics include widespread muscle and joint pain and fatigue, as well as other symptoms. This characteristic pain may be accompanied by fatigue, headaches, and difficulty with sleep, anxiety, and depression.

Some potential causes include: allergies to chemicals or foods, viruses, hormonal problems, poor digestion, candidiasis, spinal misalignments, stress, or neurotransmitter deficiency.

Treating fibromyalgia with Medical Cannabis

Ten years later, a new study confirmed Russo’s discussion, that imbalances in the endocannabinoid system play a role in fibromyalgia, IBS, and chronic migraine. While clinical trials and more research will be able to say for sure just how effective cannabis-based medicines can be in treating fibromyalgia, there are a few significant ways cannabis can help relieve symptoms:

1. Sleep – Getting rest is extremely important for fibromyalgia patients – MCDSA recommend the CBN tincture made from good quality indica strain for good sleep.
2. Pain – THC is known as an effective painkilling cannabinoid. MCDSA also recommends the cannabis topicals to gently rub onto tender points for additional pain relief.
3. Muscle Spasticity – CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid and will help improve mobility.
4. Depression – In low doses, psychoactive THC is a potent antidepressant. Other non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD also have strong mood-lifting properties.
5. Gastrointestinal Issues – We have endocannabinoid receptors all throughout the gut, so it makes sense that cannabis is helpful for patients experiencing any kind of stomach and intestinal irritation.

Of the more than 390 survey participants who had used cannabis, compared to FDA-approved pharmaceuticals, far more people reported cannabis as being effective:

• 62% reported cannabis as “very effective” in treating their symptoms
• 33% reported that cannabis “helped a little”
• Only 5% said it did not help at all

Contrast these results to FDA-approved medications:

• A mere 8 – 10% reported Cymbalta, Lyrica, or Savella as “very effective”
• 60 – 68% responded those drugs “(did) not help at all”

Conclusion

People with fibromyalgia may be able to find hope in medical cannabis. Researchers like Dr. Russo are working feverishly to further connect illnesses like fibromyalgia to endocannabinoid deficiencies. In the meantime, there are many different ways to experiment with getting the most out of your medical cannabis by simply contacting our MCSA team for guidance below.