March 04, 2021

CBD Oil for Fibromyalgia Pain

If you have fibromyalgia, you know that this chronic pain can change how you live your life. Unfortunately, the FDA-approved prescription medications have limited efficacy, and they also come with a variety of side effects. For this reason, CBD oil for fibromyalgia is an attractive alternative. While the studies done on this option are still fairly new, it’s known to work wonders for other chronic pain conditions. In this blog, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about CBD for fibromyalgia. 

What Fibromyalgia Looks Like

cbd oil for fibromyalgia pain woman with head down arms wrapped around her knees in bed light sun background

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that causes musculoskeletal pain, along with several other symptoms. These include: 

  • Fatigue 
  • Sleep problems 
  • Pain and tender points
  • Concentration and memory problems (sometimes nicknamed “fibro fog”)
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Morning stiffness
  • Numbness and tingling in hands, arms, feet, and legs
  • Headaches 
  • Irritable bowel syndrome 
  • Problems with urinating 
  • Painful menstrual cramps 

Because fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder, pain is (naturally) a strong symptom of this disease. It often feels similar to osteoarthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis, but it occurs all over the body. Those who suffer from fibromyalgia will often ache all over. The pain could feel differently depending on the person – deep, sharp, dull, throbbing, or aching. Additionally, the pain comes and goes for some people. It could also travel in the body to muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the joints. 

Finally, individuals with fibromyalgia are often afflicted with tender points. These are specific spots around their joints that hurt when they are pressed. While this would not typically hurt someone without fibromyalgia, it does hurt someone with it. 

CBD for Fibromyalgia

Overall, research is still being conducted on the specific interaction between fibromyalgia pain and CBD. However, based on anecdotal evidence, we know that CBD has a generally positive effect on fibromyalgia, which makes sense because it is used to help relieve other kinds of chronic pain. 

If we based the reasoning on this, CBD likely interrupts the nerve pathways that send signals of pain between the brain and body. CBD can also relieve inflammation. While fibromyalgia isn’t classified as an inflammatory condition, some cases have been studied that suggest inflammation can occur in a body-wide web of connective tissue called the fascia. If this holds true, then CBD may be useful in relieving pain for this area of discomfort. 

cbd oil for fibromyalgia pain cbd oil in amber glass dropper bottles with marijuana plant leaves on white table

Here are a few preliminary studies that have been done involving individuals with fibromyalgia that point to positive results for CBD. 

  • One 2011 study examined 56 people with fibromyalgia. Half the group of participants (28 people) did not use cannabis. The other half of the group contained cannabis users with varied frequency. After two hours of using cannabis, that group of participants experienced reduced pain and stiffness and an increase in sleepiness. As CBD is derived from cannabis, these results are promising. 
  • One 2017 study concluded that CBD might counteract the hypersensitivity of cells surrounding nerves in people with chronic pain. While this study did include individuals with fibromyalgia, it indicated that more research needed to be done on the topic. 
  • One 2019 Dutch study evaluated the effect of cannabis on 20 women with fibromyalgia. During the study, each participant received each of the different types of cannabis. 
    • An unspecified amount of a placebo (no CBD or THC)
    • 200 mg of a variety with high amounts of CBD and THC (Bediol)
    • 200 mg of a variety with high amounts of CBD and low amounts of THC (Bedrolite)
    • 100 mg of a variety with low amounts of CBD and high amounts of THC (Bedrocan) 

Ultimately, the research found that both the placebo and non-placebo varieties had similar spontaneous pain scores. However, the Bediol (high in CBD and THC) brought more significant relief to people than the placebo did. Furthermore, the Bediol and Bedrocan (which both contain high THC) significantly improved pressure pain thresholds compared to the placebo. The Bedrolite, however, didn’t show any evidence of being able to relieve spontaneous or evoked pain, which indicates that having some mix of CBD and THC would likely be beneficial in treating fibromyalgia. 

Benefits of CBD Oil 

In general, CBD has been found to effectively reduce pain, improve sleep, and diminish refractory pain in patients with fibromyalgia, migraines, IBS, and similar conditions involving chronic pain. 

Because the disorder causes widespread pain that leaves sufferers in “fibro fog,” their symptoms tend to stick with them throughout the day. Researchers have found that CBD oil can have a positive effect on symptoms. 

CBD for fibromyalgia can relieve pain and help with lack of sleep, depression, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. Additionally, brain function can improve when CBD oil interacts with CBD1 and CB2 receptors. 

Final thoughts 

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Chronic pain feels like a burden and causes several symptoms that affect your daily life. Break free of fibromyalgia and try CBD to help relieve anything from pain to anxiety. Herbal Mana’s Inner Warrior+ Cream is a CBD infused pain relief formula with full-spectrum CBD, which is widely considered the best for pain. Visit here to learn more and view the collection!

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