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Fibromyalgia: Pain, Fatigue, and… Cannabis?

Have you ever had a day filled with exhaustion and mental fog? When you combine those with chronic pain, digestive issues, and muscle or joint stiffness, you get a sense of what it’s like to live with fibromyalgia. This May, we’re learning about what it’s like to live with this chronic condition, highlighting standard and alternative treatments, and investigating the possibilities of medical cannabis as a treatment option.

Understanding Fibromyalgia:

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), fibromyalgia is a “chronic (long-lasting) disorder that causes pain and tenderness throughout the body, as well as fatigue and trouble sleeping.” While scientists are still figuring out the exact cause, factors like genetics, infections, and trauma seem to play a role in its development. It is most common in middle-aged women; however, fibromyalgia can affect anyone. The symptoms that come with it can vary in intensity and make all aspects of daily life a struggle.1

What It's Like to Live with Fibromyalgia:

Living with fibromyalgia is a daily struggle with pain, exhaustion, and a host of other pesky symptoms that can have a significant impact on physical and mental well-being. Individuals with fibromyalgia experience several obstacles in managing their disease, ranging from irritation over inexplicable pain to tiredness from sleepless nights. 2  What’s tougher is that these challenges aren’t always visible from the outside, which can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration.

Traditional Treatments for Fibromyalgia:

When it comes to tackling fibromyalgia, traditional treatments often revolve around managing symptoms. This can include a mix of medications, physical therapy, exercise, and lifestyle tweaks. Pain relievers, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants are common medications used to treat fibromyalgia, and they can aid with pain relief, sleep improvement, and generally improve the quality of life.3

The Potential of Medical Cannabis:

Medical cannabis is one alternative therapy that has been turning heads for its potential to manage fibromyalgia symptoms. Packed with cannabinoids like THC and CBD, it’s shown promise in relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and may even have neuroprotective effects. Research in “Cannabis for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review” suggests that cannabis could be a valuable tool in the fibromyalgia fight.4 However, as always, it’s essential to speak to your doctor to discover what’s best for you. 

Conclusion:

Living with fibromyalgia can be a difficult road, but remember that you are not alone. We are here to help you every step of the way on your journey to wellness. Whether you’re looking into standard treatments, alternative therapies, or medical cannabis, our goal is to provide you with information, resources, and compassionate care during your visit with us.

References: 

 

  1. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/fibromyalgia#:~:text=Chronic%2C%20widespread%20pain%20throughout%20the,overwhelming%20feeling%20of%20being%20tired. 
  2. https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-does-fibromyalgia-feel-like-715813 
  3. https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/more-about/medications-for-treating-fibromyalgia-symptoms 
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10295750/