Fibromyalgia and CBD Oil

With CBD’s ability to help manage pain, reduce inflammation, and regulate the body, there is real potential in using the cannabis-derived compound to help alleviate the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Before running to your nearest herbal supplement, shop, though, you should look at the science behind the chronic pain disorder and how CBD may help.

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder. Beyond just the musculoskeletal pain, though, are difficult to handle symptoms like cognitive issues, fatigue, and insomnia. Currently, there is no cure for the disorder, meaning the available treatments are more suited to reducing symptoms and managing pain.

One of the issues with treatment is that it can include opioids to help reduce pain. As opioids can be dangerous and addicting, suitable alternatives are needed to help ensure that the cure is not worse than the disorder.

How Can CBD Help?

Through its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD reduces fibromyalgia symptoms. In fact, a recent study found that the anti-inflammatory action of CBD oil caused a reduction in pain and an increase in sleep in fibromyalgia sufferers within two hours of the administered dose.

CBD reduces heat and swelling around injury or disease, which further helps reduce pain in those dealing with chronic disorders, such as fibromyalgia. A study from 2016 also found that it is perhaps a lack of endocannabinoids, of which CBD is one, may be the cause of chronic pain. Meaning, CBD may help balance and regulate the body’s system involved with pain management.

It should be stated though, that more research needs to be conducted. Not everyone who received CBD found relief from pain, and some studies found that CBD works best when combined with THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana that remains largely illegal. If you’ve been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, you know that the pain can become unbearable. Make sure to discuss these symptoms with your doctor and be upfront about how the pain may be affecting your life. Your doctor is best suited to provide treatment options and help you keep your symptoms in check.