Without a cure, those struggling with fibromyalgia are often desperate for answers. Luckily, some studies have revealed CBD may be able to help relieve symptoms. Still, more research is required before such information can be confirmed.
Evidence Based
14 references
Checked for Accuracy
Ana Luiza Dias, Ph.D.
Strength of
Evidence
Effect
Magnitude
Results
Consistency
Being as fibromyalgia is so common and without a cure, many have looked to alternative therapies as a way of reducing pain. One natural substance that’s been garnering a lot of attention is cannabidiol (CBD). Unfortunately, while research concerning CBD for fibromyalgia itself is slim, we do know a decent amount about how CBD affects pain levels.
Throughout this article, we’re going to explore the health condition of fibromyalgia and how CBD products (such as CBD oil) may just be able to help.
Fibromyalgia is one of the most common syndromes of chronic pain and is thought to affect upwards of 8% of the world’s population. The disease causes physical pain all over the body as well as other symptoms including: ¹
Researchers aren’t clear yet how fibromyalgia develops. In some cases, the disease can run in families indicating a genetic link. But in other cases, fibromyalgia can develop after a psychological or physical trauma (e.g. depression and sports injuries).
With no cure yet for fibromyalgia, treatments can vary but typically involve a combination of pain medication and other rehabilitative interventions to help individuals manage their pain levels (e.g. chiropractic and aerobic exercises). ³
OUR PICK
cbdMD is by far one of the largest CBD brands currently on the market and they’ve developed a very diverse selection of CBD oils and products.
Medterra is easily one of the most trusted brands currently in the industry, with a team of experts developing their products and an advisory board backing up on those products.
Founded after a group of farmers helped prevent a little girl from experiencing life-changing seizures, Charlotte’s Web is more than just another CBD company
The medical cannabis plant contains a combination of both CBD (or cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). While THC causes psychoactive effects, CBD is non-psychoactive and has been used as a treatment option for a wide range of chronic pain including joint pain, nerve pain, and even cancer pain. ⁴
Unfortunately, all research studies on fibromyalgia so far test a combination of both CBD and THC, so it’s not clear yet how potent CBD would be as a treatment on its own. But here’s what researchers have found so far:
While all 3 of these studies show positive effects of cannabis on fibromyalgia symptoms, it’s important to remember that the research is still in its infancy.
Studies on cannabis and fibromyalgia have just started springing up in the last couple of years, and most look only at a small number of participants (< 500) and examine the effects in the short term (less than 1 year).
Likewise, until studies using only CBD are done, we can’t be sure how successful CBD is as a fibromyalgia treatment on its own.
While CBD studies in fibromyalgia patients are lacking, other laboratory studies using animals and brain tissue has led to some promising insights.
In both mice and rats, CBD and THC can protect the animals from brain inflammation which is part of what causes brain damage, memory problems, and fibro fog is seen in human patients. ⁸ CBD seems to reduce the activity of certain neurons in the brain, preventing them from triggering the development of chronic pain. ⁹
CBD has also been shown to lower the stress response in mice, and previous research has shown that chronic stress could trigger the development of fibromyalgia. ¹⁰ ¹¹
Likewise, when CBD is administered orally or applied topically to inflamed joints in rats, it reduces their pain behavior. Both joint inflammation and pain is also a key symptom of fibromyalgia. ¹²
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease and while CBD will not cure it, studies have found that at least for some, CBD can help alleviate the associated chronic pain. ¹³ With that, it’s assumed using CBD may work as an additional therapy for when people treat fibromyalgia.
While additional research is still needed, some reports suggest that CBD may be a safer alternative as compared to other pain-relieving pharmaceuticals such as opioids and NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). ¹⁴
A systematic review of 275 research papers conducted by the European League Against Rheumatism found no clear evidence that either strong opioids or NSAIDS improved health outcomes for fibromyalgia patients. ³
A survey of 2897 individuals in the U.S. found that respondents overwhelmingly reported that cannabis provided pain relief better than or at least on par with opioid-based medications. 81% of respondents agreed that taking cannabis by itself was actually more effective at treating their pain than conventional opioid-based pharmaceuticals. ¹⁴
Nonetheless, what works for one person may not work for everyone else. Until additional research on the effects of CBD on fibromyalgia symptoms, it’s best to approach with caution.
Always seek the advice of the medical professional treating your fibromyalgia before trying CBD. And always start with the “suggested use” amount labeled on your CBD product before trying a higher dose.
When it comes to cannabis strains, many suggest Cannatonic as one of the best for relieving fibromyalgia symptoms. However, it should be noted that this strain is only available in states where recreational marijuana is legal and it will cause mild intoxication due to its higher THC-count.
The amount of CBD you should take ultimately depends on your pain levels. Generally speaking, it’s recommended you take around 40mg a day. Still, some people may find they need more in order to find relief.
This varies from person-to-person. When you take CBD, it’s likely you’re going to feel something. However, not everyone receives immediate relief from their fibromyalgia symptoms. Generally, some people will find that CBD works instantly and others will find they need to take it consistently for weeks before noticing results.
