The Benefits of Medical Marijuana for Fibromyalgia
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects an estimated 5 million people in the United States alone.
Fibromyalgia is an elusive disorder shrouded in mystery and unknowns. The condition is characterized by dull aches radiating throughout the body and profound fatigue and restlessness at night. Although medical science still has yet to unravel its cause, those afflicted are more sensitive to pain than others – making life all that much tougher for them.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment, and depression. In recent years, medical marijuana has emerged as a possible treatment option for those with fibromyalgia. Let’s look at how cannabis could help ease the symptoms of this condition.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment, and depression. In recent years, medical marijuana has emerged as a possible treatment option for those with fibromyalgia. Let’s look at how cannabis could help ease the symptoms of this condition.
What Is Medical Marijuana?
Medical marijuana is cannabis used to treat various health conditions with few or no side effects. Many states have legalized it for medicinal purposes, and it’s becoming more widely accepted as a legitimate treatment option. When used correctly, it can effectively relieve pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms.
How Does It Work?
The active ingredient in medical marijuana (MMJ) is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This compound acts on the body’s endocannabinoid system—a network of receptors found throughout the brain and body—and binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and nervous system. When THC binds to these receptors, it can reduce pain signals sent to the brain and reduce inflammation in the body.
Research on Cannabis and Fibromyalgia
Numerous studies have been conducted and researched on the efficacy of medical marijuana in treating fibromyalgia symptoms. One such study found that after just three months of taking cannabis extract, participants had significantly reduced their pain levels. Other studies have also shown that cannabis use may help improve mood, reduce stress levels, and improve sleep quality in those with fibromyalgia-related insomnia.
Are you suffering from chronic fibromyalgia pain?
Research suggests medical cannabis may be the answer! A comprehensive review published in 2017 by National Academies Press (NAP) concluded that ample evidence exists pointing to the therapeutic effects of this natural substance. After examining marijuana’s effectiveness against fibromyalgia-related symptoms, a 2007 study found synthetic cannabinoids like nabilone provided significant relief for 40 patients with this condition. Research conducted four years later confirmed similar results; 43% reported strong and 43% mild improvement in their pain symptoms thanks to using medicinal marijuana (MMJ).
Cannabidiol (CBD) for treating fibromyalgia
Recent advancements in the cannabis industry have opened up new avenues for treating chronic pain, with scientific evidence pointing towards positive outcomes, particularly fibromyalgia. As more and more of us turn to this alternative treatment option, studies continue to confirm its potential benefits.
A study of 878 people at the University of Michigan’s Department of Anesthesiology and the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, with fibromyalgia, said they used CBD. When researchers from the U-M team found that more than 70% of people with fibromyalgia substituted CBD for opioids or other pain medications.
Can marijuana help sleep problems arising from fibromyalgia?
If you’re living with fibromyalgia, cannabis-related products could be a viable way to improve your sleep! A 2018 review by the NAP concluded that there is moderate evidence for this. A 2011 study noted that 81% of participants who used cannabis reported substantial relief from their sleeping troubles. Even synthetic marijuana drugs such as nabilone (studied in 2010) have been helpful against insomnia related to fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is an approved condition for a marijuana card.
For those living with fibromyalgia, medical marijuana may relieve their symptoms without many side effects. The condition is approved for an MMJ card because it is a chronic pain disorder. Studies suggest that cannabis can help reduce pain levels while improving moods and sleep quality without causing addiction or severe side effects like many other medications.
Speaking with your doctor before trying any new treatments or supplements is crucial so they can determine if medical marijuana suits you. Cannabis can alter your perception and mood and impair movement, concentration, and memory. While cannabis may trigger hallucinations in adolescents or young adults with a history of psychosis or schizophrenia, the long-term risks associated with regular use are still being studied.
Are there side effects or risks?
Cannabis may alter perception and mood and impair movement, concentration, and memory. Cannabis may trigger hallucinations in adolescents or young adults with a history of psychosis or schizophrenia. The long-term risks associated with regular use are still being studied, so almost always better for adolescents to seek another treatment.
That all being said, cannabis is safe for adults 21+ when recommended and used as directed by a doctor. The drug is usually well tolerated by most people. If you are looking for an alternative medicine to those used in traditional medicine, then consider cannabis as an option.
Article Reviewed by
Richard Koffler, MD
NPI Number 1467557264
- Dr. Koffler is a Physiatrist, specializing in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.
- Graduated from the Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University in 1993 Dr. Koffler completed a one-year internship in internal medicine at Roosevelt Hospital in New York City.
- Residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Rusk Institute at NYU Medical Center in New York City. Board certified in 1998.
- Trained in acupuncture at Helms Medical Institute at UCLA His medical practice incorporates proven conventional western medicine integrating eastern alternative practices.
- Medical Director of several medical clinics in NYC, Stamford CT, and Miami Beach, FL.
