Cannabis and Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition that is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and tenderness in the muscles and joints.

It is estimated that up to 4 million Americans are affected by Fibromyalgia, yet it is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed.

As of now, there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, but there are treatments that can help ease the symptoms. Some people find relief from their symptoms with medications, therapies, or lifestyle changes, while others turn to alternative treatments such as cannabis.

Cannabis has been used to treat various medical conditions for centuries. The plant is known to contain a number of compounds that have medicinal properties. Recently, there has been increasing interest in using cannabis to treat Fibromyalgia.

Studies have shown that cannabis is an effective alternative treatment for Fibromyalgia and can help ease the condition’s symptoms. While it might not work for everyone who has fibromyalgia, at least it might be worth a try!

Causes of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is not yet completely understood. It’s hard to determine what exactly causes fibromyalgia and how it progresses over time. However, researchers believe that there are many causes for fibromyalgia and that it’s caused by a combination of environmental factors, genetics, and the body’s immune system.

Diagnosing Fibromyalgia

A diagnosis of fibromyalgia requires that a person has had symptoms for at least three consecutive months. Not everyone with fibromyalgia will necessarily get a diagnosis because it can be hard to tell whether or not one has the condition. Doctors will look at the symptoms, family history, and the body’s reaction to pain medication and other medications.

The Challenges of Treating Fibromyalgia

Unlike many other conditions, there’s no real treatment plan that works for fibromyalgia. There are a lot of drugs and medications that can help with the pain and discomfort of fibromyalgia, but none of these can cure the condition. The first line of treatment is usually some pain medication, but these medications don’t always work or may not be effective enough.

A New Approach: What science has to say about Cannabis and Fibromyalgia

Over the past few years, researchers and doctors have started to recognize that cannabis might be not only an effective pain medication for fibromyalgia but also a potential treatment for depression and anxiety that are often associated with fibromyalgia.

In a study published in the journal of pain, scientists found that cannabis works better than any other medication at treating fibromyalgia pain. The researchers looked at patients who have fibromyalgia and are also diagnosed with chronic pain, depression, or anxiety disorders.

Manuela Mazza is another recent but highly informative study on the use of cannabis for fibromyalgia. The study tested how effective medical cannabis treated fibromyalgia pain in 38 patients. He concluded that Medical Cannabis might be an alternate treatment option for Fibromyalgia patients who have failed to respond to traditional medication. However, the occurrence of non-serious Adverse Effects may limit its application. Another study on the Safety and Efficacy of Medical Cannabis in Fibromyalgia demonstrated that Medical cannabis is an effective and safe therapeutic choice for fibromyalgia patients.

Benefits of Using Cannabis for Fibromyalgia

Using medical cannabis to treat fibromyalgia comes with many other physical and mental health benefits that improve quality of life. Medical cannabis has been proven to affect various illnesses and conditions positively.

Cannabis can act as both a pain reliever and sleep aid. As fibromyalgia causes chronic pain throughout the entire body, using cannabis to manage symptoms effectively deals with both pain and sleep issues. Medical Cannabis is also known to help alleviate anxiety and depression, conditions that often go hand-in-hand with fibromyalgia.

How Much Cannabis Should I Take to Treat my Fibromyalgia Effectively?

It depends on your situation. If you have milder symptoms, you might want to try low doses for a short time. For example, if you smoke cannabis once per week, start smoking half a joint; this will give you enough THC to get the drug’s benefits without having too strong of a high. You could even try edibles like brownies made with cannabis oil.

If you have moderate symptoms, you might want to try medium doses for a longer time. A good starting point would be two joints per day.

If you have severe symptoms, you might need higher doses. A single joint containing up to five percent THC is recommended for those with severe pain.

How to Get Medical Cannabis for Fibromyalgia

It is illegal to possess medical cannabis without a license. To use medical cannabis for fibromyalgia, you will have to have a medical cannabis card and an official diagnosis from a doctor. Usually, it would help if you started by consulting with your primary care provider, but most likely, you will be recommended to see a specialist like an oncologist or neurologist.

The strain of cannabis you choose for fibromyalgia treatment will vary depending on your health needs and preferences. People who want to use medical cannabis to treat chronic pain choose a high CBD/low THC product with little or no psychoactive properties. Patients who prefer a more relaxing experience will often opt for high THC products or products with both CBD and THC, which are known to help relax the mind and body and combat any pain symptoms.

Side Effects of Cannabis for Fibromyalgia

The most common side effects of medical cannabis for fibromyalgia are dry mouth, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, and hunger. These effects are very common with cannabinoids.

Conclusion

Fibromyalgia is a debilitating and incurable disease that causes severe pain and fatigue. There is strong evidence suggesting that cannabis is an effective treatment for fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that cannabis is a natural alternative treatment to traditional drugs used to treat the condition and can help to reduce pain, improve sleep quality, and increase the overall quality of life. Additionally, cannabis appears to be safe and well-tolerated, with few side effects.

Keep in mind that medical cannabis is still illegal under federal law. As a result, you cannot buy it legally without a doctor’s recommendation and a medical cannabis card.

At Medical Cannabis Doctors, we provide safe and legal access to medical cannabis to cardholders. Are you looking to get a medical cannabis card for fibromyalgia? We can help you!

Get your medical cannabis card today from Medical Cannabis Doctors and start enjoying the benefits of medical cannabis!