Fibromyalgia is a common rheumatic disease that affects between 2% and 6% of the world's population, and is characterised by severe muscle pain that can significantly affect the patient's daily life.
However, one of the main problems with this disease is that its symptoms can be confused with other pathologies, which can lead to misdiagnosis.
Since little is known about the origin of fibromyalgia, the condition can be difficult to diagnose and available medical treatments are limited and often ineffective. Therefore, more and more patients are turning to alternative treatments such as cannabidiol (CBD).
In this article, we will explore the possibility of using CBD for fibromyalgia, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
If you are interested in learning more about how CBD can help in the treatment of fibromyalgia, read on.
What is fibromyalgia and what are its symptoms?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease which is characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive problems and excessive sensitivity at specific points on the body known as trigger points. The most common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Widespread painPain is the main symptom of the fibromyalgia and is characterised by generalised musculoskeletal pain that can vary in intensity.
- Fatiguefatigue is another common symptom of fibromyalgia and can be as debilitating as the pain.
- Sleep disordersFibromyalgia patients often have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night, which can worsen other symptoms.
- Cognitive problemsalso known as "brain fog", patients may experience difficulty concentrating,
The origin of fibromyalgia is still unknown, but its symptoms can range from mild discomfort to a chronic stabbing muscle pain at specific points on the body. In addition, fibromyalgia can lead to migraines intense and depressive feelings in patients suffering from it.
Given that no clear cause identified for fibromyalgiaAs a result, available medical treatments focus primarily on relieving symptoms rather than addressing the underlying cause. As a result, many patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia turn to alternative treatments, such as the use of CBDto obtain relief.
What are the complications of fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia can cause pain, disability and reduced quality of life. American adults with fibromyalgia may have complications such as:
- More hospitalisations. If you have fibromyalgia, you are twice as likely to be hospitalised as a person without fibromyalgia.
- Lower quality of life. Women with fibromyalgia may experience a lower quality of life.
- Higher rates of depression. Adults with fibromyalgia are more than 3 times more likely to suffer from major depression than adults without fibromyalgia. Detection and treatment of depression is extremely important.
- Higher suicide and injury mortality rates. Suicide and injury mortality rates are higher among patients with fibromyalgia, but overall mortality among adults with fibromyalgia is similar to that of the general population.
- Higher rates of other rheumatic conditions. Fibromyalgia often co-occurs with other types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and ankylosing spondylitis.
What is CBD and why could it potentially help treat fibromyalgia?
As we have always tried to educate our readers, they will know, that CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis or hemp plant; which, once it is extracted from the rest of the cannabinoidshas been shown to have therapeutic properties mainly related to the treatment of muscle and joint inflammation or chronic pain sensations. Both symptoms are closely related to the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
In this sense, although there is still no authoritative medical study that directly links CBD as a very effective alternative compound against fibromyalgia, there is scientific studies have shown that CBD oil could be a beneficial alternative in the treatment of some of the symptoms typically associated with this rheumatic disease.
In addition, CBD has a number of advantages over other medical treatments traditionally available on the market that are worth reviewing. Let's see:
1. CBD does not produce any psychoactive effects.
Although cannabidiol is a cannabinoid present in the cannabis plant, the truth is that once it is extracted from the rest of the cannabinoids present in the plant, it can be used as a cannabinoid in the cannabis plant, CBD does not produce any psychoactive effects.making it a natural 100% compound, safe to buy and trade in most countries of the world.
2. CBD cannot cause addiction or any serious side effects.
The main problem with the vast majority of traditional medical treatments is related to the adverse side effects they often generate, ranging from addiction to the emergence of new diseases. In this respect, CBD is completely different from this as it does not have the potential to create addiction, dependence, or any serious side effects, as for example ibuprofen.
3. You can buy CBD legally in Spain
As it is not a psychoactive compound, CBD can be marketed without restrictions in most countries in the western world. It is also important to note that CBD is available in a wide range of presentations ranging from edible oilsto balms and CBD creams for topical use. However, before purchasing any product containing CBD, be sure to study the brand that offers it and the most appropriate uses of each presentation.
How can I improve my quality of life if I have fibromyalgia?
A physically active lifestyle is recommended.
Experts recommend that adults engage in moderate physical activity for 150 minutes a week. Walk, swim or cycle for 30 minutes a day for five days a week. These 30 minutes can be divided into three separate ten-minute sessions during the day. Regular physical activity can also reduce the risk of developing other chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.
I
People concerned about how to exercise safely can participate in physical activity programmes that have been shown to be effective in reducing arthritis-related pain and disability and improving mood and movement ability.
CBD for fibromyalgia pains
Studies describe a possible influence of CBD on pain control in fibromyalgia patients, with positive effects on quality of life and sleep.
Cannabis use appears to have benefits in fibromyalgia patients; however, more robust studies are still required to establish its true efficacy in pain management, quality of life and improvement of associated symptoms.
Sources
1. Doebl S, Macfarlane GJ, Hollick RJ. "No one wants to look after the fibro patient". Understanding models, and patient perspectives, of care for fibromyalgia: reviews of current evidence. Pain. 2020;161(8):1716-25. doi: http://www.doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001870 [ Links ]
2. Neumeister MW, Neumeister EL. Fibromyalgia. Clin Plast Surg. 2020;47(2):203-13. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cps.2019.12.007 [ Links ]
3. García del Pozo J, Álvarez Martínez M. Prevention and diet therapy of obesity. Offarm Farm y Soc. 2002;21(7):102-6. [ Links ]
4. Sumpton JE, Moulin DE. Fibromyalgia. Handb Clin Neurol. 2014;119:513-27. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-7020-4086-3.00033-3 [ Links ]
5. Tzadok R, Ablin JN. Current and emerging pharmacotherapy for fibromyalgia. Pain Res Manag. 2020: 6541798. doi: https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/6541798 [ Links ]
6. Queiroz LP. Worldwide epidemiology of fibromyalgia. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2013;17(8):356. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-013-0356-5 [ Links ]
7. Clauw DJ. Fibromyalgia: a clinical review. JAMA. 2014;311(15):1547-55. doi: https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2014.3266 [ Links ]
8. Calandre EP, Rico-Villademoros F, Slim M. An update on pharmacotherapy for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2015;16(9):1347-68. doi: https://doi.org/10.1517/14656566.2015.1047343 [ Links ]
9. Lawson K. Potential drug therapies for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Expert Opin Inves-tig Drugs. 2016;25(9):1071-81. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/13543784.2016.1197906 [ Links ]
10. Ablin JN, Hauser W. Fibromyalgia syndrome: novel therapeutic targets. Pain Manag. 2016;6(4):371-81. doi: https://doi.org/10.2217/pmt-2016-0007 [ Links ]
11. Chinn S, Caldwell W, Gritsenko K. Fibromyal-gia pathogenesis and treatment options update. Curr Pain Headache Rep . 2016;20(4):25. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-016-0556-x [ Links ]
12. Blumenthal DE, Malemud CJ. Recent strategies for drug development in fibromyalgia syndrome. Expert Rev Neurother. 2016;16(12):1407-11. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/14737175.2016.1207531 [ Links ]
13. Gur A, Oktayoglu P. Advances in diagnostic and treatment options in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Open access Rheumatol Res Rev. 2009;1:193-209. doi: https://doi.org/10.2147/OARRR.S8040 [ Links ]
Bove Health (Dermo Biotech SL) accepts no liability for any inconvenience or damage resulting from the use of the information presented here. Our texts are in no way a substitute for the professional advice of a doctor or pharmacist and cannot be used as a basis for independent diagnosis and initiation, modification or termination of treatment of diseases. If you have questions or complaints about your health, always consult a doctor you trust. The contents of this site have been created with the greatest possible care and serve exclusively for information and further education on the subject. However, Bove Health assumes no liability for the accuracy, topicality and completeness of the texts and contents provided. They do not represent a recommendation of the diagnostic methods, treatments or medications described or mentioned and are not intended to serve as advertising. Bove Health is not subject to the control procedure according to article 27 VO 834/2007.
