Fibromyalgia, also known as Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a long term pain condition that causes widespread pain throughout the body. This level of pain can often cause difficulty carrying out daily activities and affect sleeping patterns.

Medical cannabis has been shown to effectively manage the symptoms caused by Fibromyalgia and can be used as a treatment pathway to improve the quality of life of those diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. We have taken a deep-dive into Fibromyalgia to share everything you need to know about the condition and how medical cannabis can help. 

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia, also referred to as Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain condition that causes extensive pain throughout the body. Fibromyalgia is known to “amplify painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and non painful signals” (Mayo Clinic)

The condition is seen in about 2% of the population and affects men, women and children of all ages. However, according to the CDC, the chronic condition is more common amongst women. A recent article on Healthline outlined that although there is no conclusive evidence of this, there are some possible connections within a 2015 study.

“A 2015 study Trusted Source found that women with fibromyalgia are also more likely to have frequent symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and primary dysmenorrhea, or painful menstrual periods. Women in the study group were found to experience extreme lower abdominal and lower back pain for two days before menstruation.”

What are the symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

While the main symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread pain, people with the condition may also experience a number of other symptoms, including:

  • Increased sensitivity to pain
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Problem with mental processes, such as memory and concentration (often called fibro-fog)
  • Headaches
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome

How can you treat Fibromyalgia?

There is no decisive cause of Fibromyalgia, however it has previously been linked to abnormal levels of particular chemicals in the brain. It can also be triggered by a traumatic event such as:

  • An injury
  • Giving birth
  • The death of a loved one
  • Having an operation

There is no cure for Fibromyalgia, however there are a number of treatment pathways that can relieve some symptoms associated with the condition:

  • Medicines, such as painkillers and antidepressants
  • Talking therapies, (e.g., cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and counselling)
  • Lifestyle changes (e.g., exercise programmes, relaxation techniques)

How can medical cannabis help with symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

A 2019 study examined 20 people diagnosed with fibromyalgia who were administered different levels of THC and CBD doses. One of the four types administered was a placebo and contained no THC or CBD. The study found that two of the doses containing high levels of THC increased the pain threshold of the patients, whilst those who were given the placebo or dosage containing CBD alone did not experience effective pain relief.

Medical cannabis has been shown to be a useful health pathway option for those living with Fibromyalgia, should traditional first-line treatments be ineffective at managing their condition. There is growing evidence to show that medical cannabis is a viable option for pain relief for those diagnosed with chronic pain conditions and other symptoms that are as a result of their primary diagnosis. 

At Cantourage Clinic, our specialists are at hand to discuss your condition and how medical cannabis could be an effective pathway for managing symptoms of your chronic condition. For more information, book a consultation. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with Fibromyalgia, reach out to Cantourage Clinic to speak with one of our specialists about how medical cannabis could help.

For more support, visit UK Fibromyalgia for more information and guidance.

Cantourage Clinic offer specialist consultations for the following conditions.

- Pain

- Psychiatry

- Neurology

- Gastroenterological

- Oncology

- Palliative Care

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