How can CBD help with fibromyalgia?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of more than 100 chemical compounds derived from cannabis. Moreover, according to research, the cannabidiol may help people with fibromyalgia.

A review from 2013 states that cannabidiol (CBD) can help to relieve pain caused by fibromyalgia. Moreover, some other conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis (MS) can also be cured by cannabidiol.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Trusted Source the medicinal use of CBD for fibromyalgia. However, CBD received approval Trusted Source for use in treating two types of epilepsy in June 2018.

Research is ongoing, and the legal status of this and other cannabinoids varies. A person should check their local laws before attempting to obtain CBD.

Nonetheless, CBD remains a popular choice. In this article, we explore why CBD may be able to relieve the pain of fibromyalgia. Moreover, we also examine its most effective use and potential side effects.

Is CBD the same as marijuana?

In short, CBD is not the same as marijuana.

CBD is one of many cannabinoids that come from the cannabis plant, which is also known as hemp or marijuana.

More concentrated forms of CBD, such as cannabidiol oil, could offer greater benefits with fewer risks than using medical marijuana.

Moreover, the compound in marijuana that gets users high is called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). No evidence suggests that CBD can get a person high. Furthermore, this may make it a good option for people who:

want to abstain from marijuana use
have a history of bad reactions to marijuana
are uncomfortable using mind-altering substances
do not want to experience a high but still want to experience the health benefits

In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in administering CBD to children with epilepsy. It is effective in reducing seizures that do not respond well to other medications.

How does CBD help fibromyalgia work?

Only a few studies have looked at the effectiveness of CBD in treating fibromyalgia.

Researchers cannot decisively say why the compound appears to reduce some fibromyalgia symptoms. There are some strong theories that are still being tested in research.

Moreover, they also do not understand why it works in some people and not in others.

The pain-relieving effects of CBD may be explained by the ways that this substance affects the brain. Moreover, it may interrupt the nerve pathways that send signals of pain between the brain and the body.

Furthermore, there is also an anti-inflammatory action of CBD that would reduce heat and swell around injury or disease. This, in turn, would reduce pain.

There is also debate about whether CBD is more effective when used alone or as medical marijuana. A combination of other chemicals in the plant may intensify the positive effects of CBD and provide additional benefits. One 2006 study determined that CBD worked best in combination with THC, but little research has followed.

A 2016 study suggested that a lack of endocannabinoids — neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors. These are maybe at the root of chronic pain syndromes, including migraines and fibromyalgia. Moreover, taking CBD may correct this deficiency, explaining the compound’s success in alleviating chronic pain.

More research is necessary to understand this process.

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Is CBD effective?

Anecdotal data suggests that taking CBD oil may alleviate symptoms of fibromyalgia in some people. Moreover, it may change the way that they process pain, with beneficial effects.

Quality research is now being conducted on this treatment method. However, in the past, research focused on medical marijuana rather than CBD in particular. New studies are finding benefits linked to this compound.

CBD has been found to effectively reduce pain, improve sleep. Moreover, its use diminishes refractory pain in patients with fibromyalgia, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome and chronic pain.

Medical marijuana users are likely to consume some CBD, but exact quantities are unknown.

Why has finding evidence been difficult?

Many studies of CBD:

are very small
produce conflicting results
do not involve placebos
ask participants about their symptoms, without using objective measurement

The legal status of marijuana and CBD make research difficult.

Other challenges Trusted Source researchers face include:

finding high-quality CBD
finding high-quality medical marijuana
controlling the dosage
controlling potency

As a result, data is mixed and inconclusive. However, a small group of studies suggests that CBD is effective for fibromyalgia.

What the studies say

A 2015 review analyzed research on cannabinoid usage for chronic pain, though not specifically pain linked to fibromyalgia. Seven of the 11 studies included in the review demonstrated that CBD relieved pain.

Another 2015 review Trusted Source looked at the results of 28 randomized, clinically controlled trials of medical marijuana as a treatment for pain. Many of the trials focused on pain linked to MS. Moreover, the review found that high-quality evidence supports the use of medical marijuana to treat chronic pain.

Moreover, a 2017 study concluded that CBD might counteract the hypersensitivity of cells surrounding nerves in people with chronic pain. However, it also points to the need for more research.

Does synthetic cannabis work?

A 2016 Cochrane review assessed the effects of a synthetic form of cannabis, called Nabilone, on fibromyalgia. Researchers found that it was poorly tolerated and had no significant benefits, compared to a placebo.

How to use CBD oil

A variety of websites offer instructions for using CBD oil. However, there is almost no expert insight into usage or dosage.

Anyone interested in CBD should discuss it with a doctor who is knowledgeable about medical marijuana, CBD, and fibromyalgia.

As with any drug, it is advisable to start with a low dosage and carefully observe the body’s reaction.

Side effects

People have reported side effects with CBD and cannabis use.

The side effects most commonly associated with medical marijuana and CBD include:

dizziness
nausea
dry mouth
Drowsiness

A person should talk to their doctor before taking CBD. CBD may interact with certain over-the-counter aids, dietary supplements, and prescription medications. Especially those that warn against consuming grapefruit Trusted Source.

Moreover, there are also concerns that CBD might interfere with the liver’s ability to break down toxins by disrupting an enzyme called cytochrome P450 complex.

Legality of treatment

The biggest risk associated with CBD oil involves its legality.

The current legality over CBD is hazy. Although hemp that contains less than 0.3% THC and hemp-derived products are legal under the Farm Bill, there is still some confusion over the specifics.

People should check their state laws and those of anywhere they may be traveling. Moreover, they must keep in mind that the FDA Trusted Source has not yet approved any nonprescription products. Furthermore, the consumer has a responsibility to keep informed. As this information is changing rapidly as more states allow CBD and medical marijuana.

The potency of CBD products may vary. It is important to find a quality source, ideally through a dispensary or healthcare provider.

Outlook and takeaway

Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness, and CBD will not cure it. Symptoms may vary with time, whether or not a person is treated. However, many with the condition find that experimenting with combinations of remedies can help to manage or eliminate symptoms.

In most cases, CBD works best when combined with medication and lifestyle remedies.

If a person lives in an area where medical marijuana and CBD are legal, it is still worth talking to a medical professional before using it.

It may be necessary to experiment with varied treatment strategies over time. If a person lives in an area where there is a legal risk of using these products, they should stop and consider the risk versus the benefit.