Fibromyalgia and CBD

Fibromyalgia, a debilitating disease affecting as many as 5 million Americans, interrupts the way the brain processes pain signals, amplifying these sensations to unbearable levels. It’s generally characterized by the presence of tender points on the body – sites on the shoulders, neck, arms, back, hips, and legs are hyper-sensitive.

 

Even the most miniscule of touches to these areas can be extremely painful. No hugs from your children. No lap time for your dog. Even your pet's 4 ounce paws feel like the weight of the world. And, on top of the widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues often plague individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia.

While the exact causes remain unclear, researchers believe that the development of fibromyalgia may be triggered by infections and emotional and physical trauma. Genetics also play a role in susceptibility, as well as a history of other diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Currently, the treatment regimen for fibromyalgia includes a slew of pharmaceuticals – including Lyrica, Savella and Cymbalta (anti-depressants and anti-epileptics, respectively). No strong evidence indicates that any single treatment (or combination of treatments) has any significant effect for most patients, though.

Recent research, however, has shown that the use of CBD may help individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia to manage their pain. Activation of CB2 receptors indirectly stimulates opiate receptors that can suppress the central nervous system, creating an analgesic effect and dampening pain.

CBD has also been shown to improve overall mental health and well-being, assisting in the mood and sleep issues that may come along with the disease.

Below are four key studies that are part of a large body of research supporting the relationship between CBD and the easement of pain due to fibromyalgia (and other diseases):

  • Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD): can this concept explain the therapeutic benefits of cannabis in migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and other treatment-resistant conditions?
    • Migraine, fibromyalgia, IBS and related conditions display common clinical, biochemical and pathophysiological patterns that suggest an underlying clinical endocannabinoid deficiency that may be suitably treated with cannabinoid medicines.”
      View the study
  • Role of the Cannabinoid System in Pain Control and Therapeutic Implications for the Management of Acute and Chronic Pain Episodes
    • “Agonist-activated cannabinoid receptors, modulate nociceptive thresholds, inhibit release of pro-inflammatory molecules, and display synergistic effects with other systems that influence analgesia, especially the endogenous opioid system”
      View the study
  • Cannabis Use in Patients with Fibromyalgia: Effect on Symptoms Relief and Health-Related Quality of Life
    • “The use of cannabis was associated with beneficial effects on some FM symptoms. Further studies on the usefulness of cannabinoids in FM patients as well as cannabinoid system involvement in the pathophysiology of this condition are warranted.”
      View the study
  • Cannabinoids for treatment of chronic non-cancer pain; a systematic review of randomized trials
    • “Chronic non-cancer pain conditions included neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and mixed chronic pain. Overall the quality of trials was excellent. Fifteen of the eighteen trials that met the inclusion criteria demonstrated a significant analgesic effect of cannabinoid as compared with placebo and several reported significant improvements in sleep.”
      View the study

While some of these studies relate to cannabis as a whole, the underlying potential for CBD is promising. It may be a few years, however, until we see any true progress on the issue unfortunately.

If you suffer from fibromyalgia now, though, and feel like your pain may not be managed as well as it could be, consider some our hemp-derived CBD products. Whether it’s a salve or balm directly on the site of pain or a nutritional supplement in an effort to counteract a potential endocannabinoid deficiency, Discovercbd.com has got you covered.

 

Have a story to share? Questions about CBD? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll respond right away. In the meantime, sign up for our newsletters and visit our website DiscoverCBD.com regularly for the latest updates, research, legislation and other news about cannabidiol.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog! To get your very own Active CBD products, come into any one of our Discover CBD stores, on the web at discovercbd.com, facebook, or by simply calling us at, 719-358-7553 to place an order!

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