This Is How CBD Helps Fibromyalgia

CBD For Fibromyalgia: What You Need To Know

CBD has been all the rage lately in the health and wellness community, and for good reason. This compound is derived from the cannabis plant, and it can be used to manage a wide range of health problems.

Fibromyalgia is one of the conditions that has symptoms CBD is particularly effective in addressing. Research shows CBD may help lessen the severity of chronic pain for some patients. Many report, taking CBD every day can make a big difference in your comfort if you are suffering from fibromyalgia.

If you’ve never taken CBD before, it’s important to be educated on what it is and how it works before adding it to your regimen. You should discuss CBD with your licensed healthcare provider before adding CBD to your health routine. Here are the basics about CBD and Fibromyalgia.

 

Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Fibromyalgia is a nervous system condition that typically results in chronic pain through the entire body, as well as a variety of other neurological issues. Women are most likely to get fibromyalgia, but men can develop it as well.

In most cases, the disorder develops slowly, with symptoms gradually increasing in severity. However, there are cases where it is triggered by either physical or psychological trauma. Here are the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

• The most common symptom of fibromyalgia is a dull aching pain through the entire body. It is not concentrated in one area – it can happen anywhere in the body and typically persists for months. Animal studies show CBD may help relieve pain caused by central sensitization, a frequent type of pain experienced by patients with fibromyalgia.
• Since fibromyalgia is a condition of the nervous system, there are often feelings of tenderness and stiffness even when the pain has subsided. Many patients with fibromyalgia also experience numbness, particularly in the hands, feet, arms, and legs. Research shows that cannabinoids have the ability to block spinal, gastrointestinal, and peripheral misfirings in the body that often cause the nerve pain associated with fibromyalgia. This research suggest that if your body has low levels of cannabinoids, increasing your cannabinoid levels may reduce your pain.
• People with fibromyalgia also tend to have a difficult time concentrating on daily tasks. They also may struggle with memory and experience mood swings as a part of this. This is often referred to as ‘fibro fog’. It’s very common for patients with fibromyalgia to develop anxiety or depression as part of their symptoms as well. CBD has been shown to improve cognitive issues in animal studies.
• Fibromyalgia often results in an extreme feeling of fatigue. People with this condition can sleep for long periods at a time, but will still wake up tired. Their sleep is often disrupted by painful aches. Many patients report, CBD may help regulate sleep patterns.
• Fibromyalgia patients will also have more painful menstrual cramps than normal, and will often also experience pain while urinating. In animal and human studies, research suggests CBD can help regulate the body and relieve painful cramps.

It is also very common for people with fibromyalgia to have other related conditions, like migraines, sleep apnea, and irritable bowel syndrome. Fibromyalgia is often confused with other conditions, so if you think you may have it, be sure to see your doctor.

Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome (CEDS) and Fibromyalgia Connection

Although the causes of fibromyalgia are largely unknown and hotly debated, we have seen promising insight in regards to clinical endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome and its connection to many conditions like fibromyalgia.

The endocannabinoid system is a newly discovered bodily system that is comprised of many receptors throughout the body. The body contains both CB1 and CB2 receptors, in addition to TRPV receptors and orphan receptors which all participate in the endocannabinoid system.

New research shows, the endocannabinoid system is likely responsible for the way your brain functions in regards to mood, emotions, behavior, etc. If not functioning properly, it can affect anxiety levels, depression, fear, and limit your joy.

A study was conducted that coined the condition, clinical endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome or CEDS. This syndrome means your body is deficient in naturally occuring endocannabinoids, which in theory adversely affects many physiological processes. Dr. Ethan Russo posits that people with CEDS may be at an increased risk for issues like migraines, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome.

 

Benefits of CBD For Fibromyalgia

Many patients reports CBD as being beneficial for patients struggling with fibromyalgia. Its biggest benefit is its ability to reduce sensations of pain.

CBD may affect the way our neurotransmitters perceive pain. In addition CBD may reduce inflammation throughout the body, which can make pain feel more severe.

CBD can also reportedly helps the muscles relax, which makes it much easier to sleep at night. Fibromyalgia patients often suffer with restless leg syndrome and other muscular problems that can make it difficult to sleep. CBD’s calming effects may make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

The purported  mental effects of CBD can also be helpful for people with fibromyalgia. CBD is by some to ease anxiety and depression, and these mood-boosting effects can also be very helpful for people with fibromyalgia.

For people suffering from fibromyalgia, CBD might be a natural alternative to stronger painkillers and other pharmaceuticals. Patients often report relieving the symptoms of fibromyalgia makes it easier to be productive at work and at home.

Where to Get CBD

CBD derived from hemp is available in all 50 states, and CBD derived from marijuana is legal in states where marijuana has been legalized. CBD products only contain trace amounts of THC, the intoxicating compound in marijuana. CBD products will not get you high.

Many health stores now sell CBD products derived from hemp. If you do not have a local retailer that sells CBD products, you can get them online. If marijuana is legal in your state, you can find CBD products at your local dispensary.

It’s important to look at the ingredients list of the products you are buying to get a better idea of where they come from and what’s in them. The FDA is still figuring out how to regulate CBD products, so it’s important to educate yourself when shopping for them.

CBD is available in many different forms. One of the easiest ways to take it is in a capsule. There are many benefits to taking it this way – it’s quick and portable, and the dose is pre-measured.

CBD is also available in the form of CBD oils and lotions. These are great if you want to target the relief to a specific point on your body. These products are easy to apply topically, and are often combined with other ingredients to have a moisturizing or soothing effect.

Finally, there are many food and drink brands that are now making CBD edibles. CBD gummies are particularly popular, but you’ll also find other types of candies as well as beverages.

And of course, you can also inhale it, by smoking raw hemp flower or using the of the many vaping products available.

READ: New Patient Guide: What to Know Before Trying Medical Marijuana

 

Conclusion

Patients report that CBD is beneficial for people struggling with the symptoms of fibromyalgia. There is no cure for this condition, although there are many drugs that are designed to address it’s symptoms.

CBD has limited side effects, and an increasing number of fibromyalgia patients are choosing it to ease their symptoms. If you struggle with fibromyalgia, talk to your licensed healthcare provider about adding CBD to your health regimen.

Keep in mind, CBD is not an FDA approved medication (except in the form of Epidiolex). Additionally, CBD does have side effects and also may interact with some medications. It’s very important that patients discuss CBD with their healthcare provider.

 

 

About Dr. Brent Wells

Dr. Brent Wells, D.C. is the founder of Better Health Chiropractic & Physical Rehab and is the leading provider of chiropractic care in Alaska. He’s been a chiropractor for over 20 years and his practice has treated thousands of patients from different health problems using various services designed to help give you long-lasting relief.

Dr. Wells is also the author of over 700 online health articles that have been featured on sites such as Dr. Axe and Lifehack. He is a proud member of the American Chiropractic Association and the American Academy of Spine Physicians. And he continues his education to remain active and updated in all studies related to neurology, physical rehab, biomechanics, spine conditions, brain injury trauma, and more.

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