Medical Cannabis as a Fibromyalgia Treatment
Every day the medicinal use of cannabis expands to new dimensions. Many times driven by research or legalizations, and other times by the hope and perseverance of patients seeking relief in new therapeutic options.
The latter is the case for fibromyalgia patients, the third most common rheumatic disease worldwide, which its main characteristic is widespread pain. Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder that affects more than 4 million Americans, is more common in women between the ages of 50 - 60, and symptoms include sleep problems (insomnia and unrefreshing sleep), and chronic, intense pain that is described similarly to neuropathic pain and can extend from the head to the feet. In addition, they may suffer neurocognitive impairment with memory problems, anxiety and depression.
Another important characteristic of fibromyalgia is that it has no known cause, which has contributed to it being difficult to treat and diagnose. This is why fibromyalgia patients change treatment regimens multiple times before turning to more natural or alternative options such as cannabis.
Some studies have looked at the relationship of fibromyalgia symptoms to medical cannabis use. A 2019 study evaluated the use of medical cannabis in 367 fibromyalgia patients. In this study patients reported decreased pain intensity. From these results, cannabis was designated as a safe (since adverse effects were mild and infrequent) and effective treatment for pain associated with this disease.
Another analysis in 2020 evaluated 101 patients with fibromyalgia who consumed cannabis daily, in a low amount (less than 1 gram) and mainly through combustion (smoking). Patients reported better sleep, less pain and weight gain, and 51% of patients reported more leisure time outdoors. It was concluded that medical cannabis is an effective treatment for fibromyalgia, and that all patients recommended cannabis for these medical purposes.
However, from a scientific point of view there are still many doubts about how cannabis can act in fibromyalgia. It has been proposed that the major participant in this effect is the non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid known as CBD (cannabidiol) due to the different anti-inflammatory and analgesic mechanisms it exerts on chronic pain. In addition, through interactions with receptors in the nervous system, CBD can decrease anxiety, improve mood and sleep.
Clinical and preclinical studies still need to be developed to elucidate and characterize the benefits obtained by fibromyalgia patients, and thus establish standardized treatment regimens in terms of doses and cannabinoid compounds to be used. However, with little evidence available, patients have found ways to safely and effectively integrate medical cannabis into their daily lives to improve many of their symptoms.
*The intention of this material is purely informative, to start treatment with medical cannabis consult with your doctor or specialist.
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