Many sufferers of fibromyalgia usually experience the condition silently. Since the symptoms of fibromyalgia vary from individual to individual, it is hard to examine the popularity of the condition. The National Fibromyalgia Institute reported that they are roughly 10 million individuals suffering from the condition in the US.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is usually characterized by the excruciating pain it causes, as well as sleep issues, memory, and even fatigue. The main symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic pain.
The primary cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but doctors believe that a genetic predisposition to the disease plays a role. Furthermore, traumas like child abuse, current or chronic psychological stress can increase the chances of the condition.
The condition has no known cure, and many treatment options can be unhelpful. Fortunately, Fibromyalgia has been recognized as a qualifying Florida medical marijuana condition.
Common types of fibromyalgia include Neuropathic Pain, Abdominal Pain, Headaches/Migraines, Pelvic Pain, Central Sensitization (Allodynia), Joint pain, Hyperalgesia
Medical cannabis for pain related to fibromyalgia
Several studies show that medical cannabis can potentially relieve the symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia. Medical marijuana has pain-relieving properties which can offer anecdotal relief for Fibromyalgia sufferers. Also, medical cannabis has the potential to offer huge relief for different Fibromyalgia, symptoms such as pain, sleep issues, and depression.
Most patients will benefit from the pain-relieving properties of medical marijuana for fibromyalgia. According to the National Pain Foundation survey, 62 percent of participants who had tried marijuana acknowledged that it was effective in treating their symptoms. 33 percent of the patients found minor relief while 5 percent said it provided no relief.
Medical marijuana works to relieve pain related to fibromyalgia by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. When we consume cannabis, the cannabinoids may fill in for your natural endocannabinoids. This leads to lower hypersensitivity to pain, which reduces the pain levels in patients with fibromyalgia. Medical cannabis can also combat different symptoms including insomnia and nausea. Medical marijuana won’t completely cure fibromyalgia, but it may be effectively relieving the symptoms of the condition.
Medical Cannabis for Sleep Problems Related to Fibromyalgia
Medical marijuana has sleep-inducing properties suitable for fibromyalgia patients. According to the NAP review from 2018, cannabis items can temporarily induce sleep among fibromyalgia patients. A 2011 study showed that 81% of patients with fibromyalgia experienced immense relief from sleep disorder after using cannabis.
Medical Cannabis for other Symptoms Related to Fibromyalgia
There are few studies on the use of cannabis on other fibromyalgia symptoms. Medical marijuana can combat nausea and lack of appetite experienced by fibromyalgia patients by consuming THC-rich strains. However, if you don’t like the psychoactive effects of THC then you can consume CBD-rich strains which have very low levels of THC.
Bottom line
Research shows that using cannabis-based drugs can be essential in relieving the pain caused by fibromyalgia. Nonetheless, there is a need for more research on medical cannabis and fibromyalgia. But if you decide to use medical marijuana for your symptoms ensure to contact your local physician first.