Will Cannabis Help with Fibromyalgia?
Cannabis has been a prevalent drug for thousands of years. Previously, it was mainly known for its recreational use. However, some ancient civilizations started using it as a medicine for various health issues.
In recent times, various scientific studies have proved many health benefits of this drug. Due to its medicinal and analgesic effects, people are wondering whether it can also be used to relieve fibromyalgia symptoms.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease characterized by extreme bodily pain, sleeplessness or insomnia, stress, and exhaustion. The patient also feels an increased sensitivity to pain.
Although certain medicines are available for relieving the symptoms of the disease, the cure is yet impossible.
Causes
Numerous risk factors and causes are associated with the condition, varying from emotional to physical stress. Some reasons are diseases like arthritis, stressful relationship, delivery, or viral infections.
Efficacy of Cannabis in Fibromyalgia
Cannabis has opened the doors of hope for people with fibromyalgia. In fact, many people suffering from the disease have already turned to the drug to relieve some of the symptoms.
The total effect of cannabis on fibromyalgia is not known yet. However, experts believe it might help reduce symptoms like insomnia, pain, and depression.
Here is what scientists have found so far:
Cannabis for Relieving Fibromyalgia Pain
Cannabis contains two main components, THC and CBD. THC is considered the prime pain relieving part of cannabis.
According to research, cannabis helps reduce pain by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is known for its effect on more than a few biological functions like cognition, pain, and sleep.
That is why many fibromyalgia patients, who use cannabis for pain, claim that it delivers the desired results. However, more research is needed to prove the claim.
Cannabis for Treating Insomnia Associated with Fibromyalgia
Similarly, some patients believe that cannabis also solves sleep problems linked to fibromyalgia.
According to a study conducted in 2011, 81 percent of patients reported a positive effect of cannabis on sleep problems caused by fibromyalgia.
Research conducted in Canada used Cesamet, a synthetic cannabis drug, to determine the effectiveness of cannabis for fibromyalgia-induced insomnia. It was found that the drug promoted sleep and restfulness in the patients.
Cannabis for Other Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Other fibromyalgia symptoms include anxiety, mood swings, muscle fatigue, migraines, and declined cognitive abilities.
Per some research, cannabis might help reduce the severity of migraines induced by fibromyalgia. However, the shreds of evidence are limited so far.
Effects of cannabis on remaining symptoms have not been determined to date.
Risk Factors of Using Cannabis for Fibromyalgia
Certain risk factors are associated with using cannabis as medicine for the disease. These disadvantages comprise cognitive issues, muscle imbalance, delusions, and hallucinations.
Conclusion
Fibromyalgia is a chronic health issue that affects both children and adults. There has been no cure for the problem until now.
However, few medicines can help decrease the symptoms.
Medicinal cannabis is one of those drugs. Data collected suggests it can help with pain, sleeplessness, and migraines. However, cannabis cannot treat the disease.
Consult your doctor first if you also want to use cannabis products for fibromyalgia.
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