Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that is not yet fully understood by doctors. What this means is that patients often feel as if they are left to deal with the pain, tenderness and other symptoms by themselves, without any medical relief. In recent years people have turned to CBD to help, but there are some that believe it can make fibromyalgia worse. Is this really the case?

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal disorder that causes people to experience pain all over their body. Symptoms can include anything from a dull ache to a sharp pain, which can cause fatigue, sleep issues, mood swings and memory problems. It’s estimated that two to four percent of the general population are affected by it, with it being more commonly experienced by women than men. Unfortunately little is known about fibromyalgia, and thus there is currently no known cure. Due to the symptoms the disorder presents, fibromyalgia can also lead to mental health problems, including anxiety and depression. 

Understanding Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is the second most active chemical in cannabis. A common misconception is that it produces a high similar to marijuana, but since it doesn’t contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), this is a false assumption. In fact, according to a report from the World Health Organization, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.” CBD is extracted directly from the hemp plant, which is essentially a marijuana plant containing low levels of THC content, or manufactured in a laboratory.  It is then usually converted into an oil, but it can also be sold as an extract, vaporized liquid, oil-based capsule, or a topical cream. 

Explore our natural selection of Hemp-derived CBD products tailored to enhance your wellness journey.

How Does CBD Work for Fibromyalgia?

While there is no hard scientific proof that CBD can treat fibromyalgia in a medical sense, it is believed to help relieve pain, insomnia and anxiety. One theory by researchers as to why this may be the case is that chronic pain conditions, such as those created by fibromyalgia, are caused by a shortage of endocannabinoids in the body. 

Endocannabinoids themselves are not fully understood, but they are molecules created by our body and are believed to help manage functions such as our response to pain and ability to sleep. Our body creates them naturally as they are needed, and having a deficiency in them may be a cause of fibromyalgia. 

It’s believed that CBD may play a role in helping people manage their pain by attaching itself to their endocannabinoid receptors in their brain. This would interrupt the nerve pathways that are responsible for sending pain signals from the brain to the rest of the body, resulting in reduced pain and more comfort for patients. Another possibility is that CBD causes the body to produce natural endocannabinoids, or prevent them from breaking down, which would attach to the receptors instead. Whatever the case, CBD seems to help correct endocannabinoid deficiencies. 

While research is ongoing, and no definitive proof has yet to be developed, many patients do show improvement after using CBD. Even though it is not an official medical treatment at the moment, CBD is an effective way for many people with fibromyalgia to live a healthy and active lifestyle, without suffering from pain. 

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Benefits of CBD Oil for Fibromyalgia

Tips for Using CBD for Fibromyalgia

Due to it not being an official medical treatment for fibromyalgia, it can be difficult finding expert insight into how to use it properly. This includes dosage and application.  There are however generalized tips that can be followed, and with CBD products becoming more accessible it’s important to gather as much information about it before using it.  

• Start Slow And Give It Time To Work

Determining the right dosage can be difficult. You should consider your height, weight and the amount of pain you are in.  Your tolerance can play a part as well, and if you are a regular cannabinoid user you may need a higher dosage. Keep in mind that a single-use of CBD products will provide subtle, short-term relief. Only by consistently taking it will you experience systemic, long-term benefits. Typically, this means starting with a nightly supplement of two weeks to six months. After that time you can reassess the situation and adjust as necessary. 

• Only Use High-Quality CBD Products

Like anything in life, you get what you pay for. Cheaper CBD products may come from poor quality hemp that has been subjected to pesticide and herbicide use, extreme weather conditions or poor plant nutrition. All of these things can lower the quality of the CBD, and decrease the effectiveness of the product. This is true for both topical and oral CBD products. This means you might have to take higher doses, more often, to decrease your fibromyalgia symptoms, increasing your overall cost.

• Make It Easier To Consume Or Apply

Even though it is commonly used, CBD is not easily digested or absorbed into our systems. This is because it is a fat-soluble compound. This means that it needs assistance to be useful. Ways this can be accomplished include combining it with healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil, or a fatty snack. If it’s a topical CBD, make sure it’s a tincture or water-soluble form. These considerations are based on personal preferences and you find it helpful to experiment with different approaches to discover what works best for you.

Is CBD an Option for Fibromyalgia – Final Thoughts

While doctors and scientists are still trying to fully understand fibromyalgia and the effects CBD may have on it, there is no research showcasing that taking CBD can make things worse. It’s important to keep in mind that there is the possibility of side effects however, and that CBD usage can interact with other medications. 

CBD can help with the health and wellness of those suffering from fibromyalgia, but it is important to always discuss taking any type of medication with your doctor before moving forward with doing so. They can help you make sure you are using the product effectively, including helping you determine the right dose.