Can CBD Help With Fibromyalgia Syndrome?

Cannabidiol, also referred to as CBD, is one of the main compounds found in the plant cannabis. Since its legalization, a growing body of studies suggests that this substance has the potential to help individuals suffering from fibromyalgia and CBD. In this article, we are going to delve deeper into this topic by looking at how the two relate.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia or fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a condition that results in chronic pain. According to research, Cannabidiol can help alleviate pain and inflammation, and hence the studies looking into its effect on this condition. For instance, one 2020 review concludes that even though research is still in its infancy stages and the evidence is not much, emerging data shows that CBD may have a positive effect on fibromyalgia syndrome.

Although cannabidiol shows promise as a remedy for FMS, studies are yet to show that it’s safe and effective and as a result, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) hasn’t approved cannabidiol for treating FMS or any other forms of pain. Even so, CBD is still a popular option. In the next section, we are going to look at why CBD has the potential to alleviate FMS pain and also its most effective uses and possible side effects.

Is Cannabidiol the same as Cannabis?

Simply put, cannabidiol isn’t the same as cannabis. Cannabidiol is one of the numerous compounds known as cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is another primary compound found in the cannabis plant, and it’s infamous for high experienced by consuming weed.

More often than not, the cannabidiol products out there are made from a form of cannabis known as hemp, which according to the Farm Bill, must contain no more than 0.3% THC. According to research, CBD oil potentially has many benefits and fewer downsides in comparison to medical cannabis or marijuana.

CBD and FMS

Scientists can’t decisively say why CBD appears to alleviate some of the fibromyalgia syndrome symptoms, or why it works for some individuals but not others. However, the research is still ongoing and could have a breakthrough in the near future.

The pain-alleviating effects of Cannabidiol are most likely due to its effect on the brain. It interrupts nerve pathways that send pain signals between the body and the brain. The compound attaches itself to specialized receptors in the brain, including the CB2 receptor which plays a vital role in managing pain and inflammation.

When CBD gets into the body, it attaches to CB2 receptors or causes the body to release endocannabinoids, which then attach to these receptors. This process results in reduced pain and inflammation.

The use of CBD can help correct FMS, thus explaining its success in reducing chronic pain. However, research is still limited and more studies are required for a full comprehension of this process.

Is CBD Effective?

Researchers are currently looking into this treatment method. Not long ago, studies were primarily on medical cannabis instead of CBD, and the recent ones have shown potential benefits linked to this substance.

Recent studies show that CBD has the potential to alleviate pain, inflammation, improve sleep, and even reduce refractory pain in individuals with conditions such as migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, and even fibromyalgia syndrome or FMS.