Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 100 cannabis-derived chemical compounds. A small body of research suggests that cannabidiol can help people with fibromyalgia.
A 2013 review shows that cannabidiol (CBD) can help relieve fibromyalgia pain and other conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis (MS).
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approvedTrusted Source for the medicinal use of CBD for fibromyalgia, although CBD received approvalTrusted Source for use in the treatment of two types of epilepsy in June 2018.
Research is ongoing and the legal status of these and other cannabinoids varies. Before trying to obtain a CDB, a person should check their local laws.
CBD remains, however, a popular choice. In this post, we discuss how fibromyalgia pain may be relieved by CBD. We also look at its most effective use and possible side effects.
Is CBD the same thing as marijuana?
For short, cannabis is not the same as CBD.
CBD is one of a variety of cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, also known as hemp or marijuana.
Highly concentrated sources of CBD, such as cannabidiol oil, can offer greater benefits than using medical marijuana with lower risks.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the compound in cannabis that gets consumers high. There is no proof that CBD can get a high man. This can make it a good option for individuals who:
- Would like to abstain from using cannabis
- Have a history of poor cannabis reactions
- Using mind-altering drugs is painful
- Do not want to experience a high level of health benefits, but still want to enjoy
There has been an increase in interest in administering CBD to children with epilepsy in recent years, as it is effective in reducing seizures that do not respond well to other drugs.
How does fibromyalgia function with CBD?
Just a few studies investigated the effectiveness of CBD in the treatment of fibromyalgia.
Scientists can’t decide why the compound seems to alleviate certain symptoms of fibromyalgia, but some clear hypotheses are still being tested in study.
We also don’t understand why in some cases it works and not in others.
How this substance affects the brain can explain the pain-relieving effects of CBD. It can disrupt the circuits of the nerves that transmit pain signals between the brain and body.
CBD also has an anti-inflammatory effect that would minimize heat and swell around injury or illness. In turn, that’s it. The pain would be reduced.
Whether CBD is more effective when used alone or as medicinal marijuana is also discussed. A combination of other plant chemicals can intensify CBD’s positive effects and provide additional benefits. One 2006 study found that in combination with THC, CBD worked best, but little research has followed.
A 2016 study suggested that the root cause of chronic pain syndromes, including migraines and fibromyalgia, may be a lack of endocannabinoids— neurotransmitters which bind to cannabinoid receptors. This deficiency may be corrected by taking CBD, explaining the success of the compound in alleviating chronic pain.
Is it successful for CBD?
Anecdotal data suggest that some people may receive CBD oil to alleviate symptoms of fibromyalgia. It can change the way pain is perceived, with beneficial effects.
Performance work on this method of treatment is now being performed. In the past, work has focused specifically on medical marijuana rather than CBD. New studies find advantages associated with this compound.
In patients with fibromyalgia, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, and similar conditions involving chronic pain, CBD has been found to effectively reduce pain, improve sleep, and decrease refractory pain.
Medical users of cannabis are likely to consume some CBD, but exact amounts are uncertain.
Why was it hard to find evidence?
A number of CBD studies:
- They’re very small.
- Produce conflicting outcomes
- Do not include placebo
- Ask participants regarding their symptoms and do not use objective measurement
Testing is complicated due to the legal status of cannabis and CBD.
Certain obstacles Researchers facing trusted sources include:
- Using CBD of high quality
- Finding medical marijuana of high quality
- Control of dosage
- controlling potency
Information is therefore mixed and incomplete. A small group of studies, however, indicate that for fibromyalgia, CBD is active.
What the studies are saying
A 2015 review analyzed cannabinoid use research for chronic pain, but not specifically fibromyalgia-related pain. Seven of the 11 reports included in the study found that pain was relieved by CBD.
Another 2015 reviewTrusted Source looked at the results of 28 medical marijuana randomized, medically controlled trials as a pain treatment. Many of the trials focused on pain associated with MS. The review found that the use of medical marijuana to relieve chronic pain was supported by high-quality evidence.
A 2017 study concluded that in people with chronic pain, including those with fibromyalgia, CBD can mitigate the hypersensitivity of cells surrounding nerves. This points to the need for further research, however, as well.
Does it work for synthetic cannabis?
A 2016 Cochrane review examined the impact of Nabilone on fibromyalgia, a synthetic form of cannabis. Researchers found it to be poorly tolerated and had no significant advantages compared to a placebo.
How to make use of CBD oil
A number of websites offer guidance on how to use CBD oil, but there is almost no professional research into use or dosage.
A doctor who is knowledgeable about medical marijuana, CBD, and fibromyalgia must discuss it with anyone interested in CBD.
It is best, as with any medication, to begin with a low dosage and monitor the reaction of the body carefully.
Side effects of the
People reported side effects with CBD and cannabis use.
The most common side effects associated with medical marijuana and CBD include:
- Dizziness of the
- It’s nausea
- The mouth is dry
- Sleepiness,
These are typical side-effects of most drugs.
Before taking CBD, a person should talk to their doctor. CBD may interact with certain over – the-counter aids, dietary supplements, and prescription drugs— especially those that warn against the use of grapefruitTrusted Source.
There are also concerns that CBD may interfere with the ability of the liver to break down toxins by disrupting an enzyme called the cytochrome P450 complex.
Legality of treatments
The greatest risk associated with CBD oil is its legality.
The actual legality of the CBD is hazy. Although hemp containing less than 0.3 per cent THC and hemp derived products are legal under the Farm Bill, there is still some confusion as to the specifics.
People should check their state laws and the laws of wherever they may be traveling. We should keep in mind that no non-prescription drugs have yet been licensed by the FDATrusted Source.
It is the duty of the user to stay aware, as this data is changing rapidly as more states allow CBD and medical marijuana.
The strength of CBD products can vary. It is important to find a source of value, preferably through a pharmacy or health care provider.
Outlook and take-away
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease, so CBD is not going to cure it. Symptoms may vary over time, whether or not a person is being treated. However, many with the condition find that experimenting with combinations of remedies can help manage or eliminate symptoms.
In most cases, CBD works best when combined with medicines and lifestyle remedies.
If a person is living in an area where medical marijuana and CBD are legal, it is still worth talking to a medical professional before using it.
It may be appropriate to experiment with a number of treatment methods over time. If a person lives in an environment where there is a legal risk of using these goods, he or she should stop and consider the threat versus the gain.
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