Widespread pain, exhaustion, memory and concentration issues (the “fibro-fog”), and sleep issues like insomnia and persistent fatigue are all hallmarks of fibromyalgia. Before including marijuana in your treatment plan for fibromyalgia, it is always advisable to speak with an online marijuana doctor. The doctor will determine whether or not marijuana is the best option for you.
Simple daily chores like tying shoelaces or cooking can become nearly impossible due to this crippling illness. In addition to the evident drawback of ongoing pain, this can be upsetting for those who experience it and may otherwise appear “healthy.”
Find out more about the causes, therapies, and potential benefits of cannabis for fibromyalgia, a painful autoimmune disease.
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
The causes of conditions like fibromyalgia were not well understood by doctors until recently. It was observed that fibromyalgia appeared to develop following a particularly trying physical and/or emotional experience, and both mental and physical explanations were offered.
We now have a possible explanation through the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and a potential remedy in cannabis, even though the pain seems to originate from processes in the central nervous system (CNS). In other words, when the ECS is not in equilibrium (homeostasis) and certain deficiencies have emerged, fibromyalgia may result.
Conventional Approaches to Treating Fibromyalgia
While sleep, exercise, and a healthy diet are typically advised for individuals with fibromyalgia, in more severe cases, weak-to-medium strength opioids may also be prescribed. Medical cannabis is most effective when prescribed in conjunction with opioids and antidepressants.
Opioids are already controversial when used for fibromyalgia, and doctors rarely prescribe them for fibro pain unless there are severe symptoms. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline (Pamelor), are other prescription drugs that are frequently used to treat fibromyalgia.
Tricyclic antidepressants function by increasing the brain’s concentration of neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine and serotonin. They increase the effects of endorphins and relax the muscles. Constipation, dry mouth, dry eyes, lightheadedness, and drowsiness are some of the adverse effects. To manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia, other antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), duloxetine (Cymbalta), milnacipran (Savella), and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used.
However, most people with fibro have little benefit from antidepressants, and many report more negative side effects than positive ones. Furthermore, the actual onset of antidepressant effects typically takes three months.
How Marijuana Alleviates Fibromyalgia Symptoms
By interacting with serotonin receptors, cannabis, and cannabidiol (CBD) in particular, helps reduce or eliminate the need for antidepressants and alleviate anxiety and depression. THC and CBD together can help reduce any persistent pain that comes with fibromyalgia. Additionally, tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) may be helpful for people who are prone to “fibro fog.”
Terpenes such as myrcene, linalool, and pinene might also be helpful. Restoring equilibrium to the body’s serotonin, dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline levels can be achieved by focusing on the ECS, which “talks” to and affects the behavior of other receptor systems.
Using Cannabis for Fibromyalgia Relief
Both the pain of fibromyalgia and the accompanying symptoms of depression and anxiety that chronic pain can bring on may be helped by cannabis and CBD topicals. For some fibromyalgia sufferers, cooling CBD gels and warming CBD oils provide relief from muscle and joint pain. In addition to promoting relaxation, CBD bath salts, bath bombs, and other upscale products may lessen pain.
A clinical trial is being carried out at Denmark’s Frederiksberg University Hospital to see if CBD tablets can effectively treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Over the course of 24 weeks, clinical trial participants will take tablets containing 10–50 milligrams of CBD. Researchers will ascertain at the conclusion of the clinical trial whether this ingestion technique is helpful for people with fibromyalgia.
Other methods of using marijuana to treat fibromyalgia include smoking it, eating edibles, and taking sublingual tinctures. However, their efficacy requires further study, and individual outcomes will differ.
Best Strains for Fibromyalgia
Some people may find that the correct indica cannabis strain improves appetite, eases pain, and helps them fall asleep. Certain microdose edibles prevent pain and discomfort and offer long-lasting pain relief.
One may be able to stay energized and pain-free enough to exercise with a more sativa strain (or perhaps more accurately, one that is high in CBD, THCV, limonene, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene). The cannabinoid and terpene content of a strain can give you a better idea of its effects, but it’s a good idea to keep in mind that the sativa and indica distinctions are not always accurate.
It’s also critical to keep in mind that these recommendations are based on subjective patient reports and may not have the same impact on all users.
People who suffer from fibromyalgia or other chronic pain conditions may find relief from the following strains (cultivars), both indica and sativa:
- Cannatonic
- Granddaddy Purple
- Harlequin
- Blueberry Pie
- Tahoe OG
- Fire OG
- Red Dragon
- Magic Bullet
- Special Sauce
- Lemon Skunk
- Northern Lights
Blackberry Kush and Afghan Kush are two more cannabis strains that may help reduce fibromyalgia symptoms.
MD Ganja can assist if you or a loved one has fibromyalgia and would like to try cannabis to reduce your symptoms. Our skilled medical staff is available to meet with you virtually and walk you through the process of applying for a medical marijuana card in Newark.