Understanding medical cannabis: A guide for Fibromyalgia patients
9 min read
Sam North
Fibromyalgia is an incurable chronic pain condition and one that can be pretty complicated to treat. It affects around 2 percent of the UK population, more women than men, and while it does sometimes develop in children, it is more often picked up in middle age.
Although there are a range of conventional pharmaceutical treatment options available to help deal with the pain (and other symptoms), these often come with heavy side effects and even the risk of dependence.
This is where natural fibromyalgia treatments step in, with medical cannabis leading the charge.
Contents
This Sunday, the 12th of May, is National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. So, we thought the time was right to check out where the medical cannabis for fibromyalgia research is heading, what patients are saying, and if it might be an option for you.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a complicated condition. Its symptoms vary from person to person. It is classed as a pain condition, but it doesn't cause any damage to your muscles, joints, or tendons. New research indicates it is an immune system disease, but more research is needed.
Individuals with pre-existing health conditions, particularly those related to rheumatic diseases, mood disorders, or any condition that causes chronic pain, are more likely to develop fibromyalgia.
Common fibromyalgia symptoms
Fibromyalgia symptoms include:
- Widespread musculoskeletal pain - often focused on the lower back, glutes, legs, chest, and abdomen
- Fatigue
- Sleep issues
- Cognitive difficulties - referred to as 'fibro fog’, affecting memory, critical thinking, and concentration
- Touch sensitivity
- Limb numbness and tingling
- Digestive issues
People suffering from fibromyalgia are more likely to feel anxious or depressed - in short, the condition can seriously impact their quality of life.
Unfortunately, fibromyalgia remains a bit of a mystery to medical science. We do know for sure that it tends to develop after some kind of trauma or injury (physical or emotional), but the exact cause or causes are still unknown. Genetics may also play a role, as it does seem to run in families, but no clear link has been proven as yet.
What conventional pharmaceutical approaches exist for fibromyalgia in the UK?
Since there is no cure, therapeutic approaches focus on reducing the impact of the symptoms and fibromyalgia flare-ups. Clinical fibromyalgia treatment plans usually involve a combination of different pharmaceutical options and physical therapy.
The pharmaceutical options often come with heavy side effects. Some regularly prescribed fibromyalgia treatments here in the UK include:
- Medications for seizure control - Fibromyalgia seems to affect how our bodies process pain signals. Anti-seizure medication helps reduce the number of pain signals sent to the brain. They also cause drowsiness, which can help sufferers fall asleep. The quality of this sleep is up for debate, though.
- Pain medications - Over-the-counter painkillers can help with fibromyalgia, but often more potent medication such as Tramadol may be prescribed, which is an opioid. Opioids come with a considerable risk of dependence.
- Antidepressants - Certain antidepressants have been used to help alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms by regulating serotonin levels, which can cause fatigue, mood swings and sleep problems.
Although these options can make a world of difference for some fibromyalgia sufferers, they don't work for everyone. And some patients simply don't want to take heavy pharmaceutical options, especially if they haven't been designed for their specific condition.
Can medical cannabis help reduce fibromyalgia symptoms?
Yes, cannabis-based medicines have been shown to help with many fibromyalgia symptoms. They have also been proven to help reduce anxiety and depression that can often go hand in hand with fibromyalgia.
How does medical cannabis help with fibromyalgia?
The Cannabis sativa L. genus is extraordinary.
Plants from this family (both cannabis and hemp) produce a group of chemicals called cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids). These include the two big names - THC and CBD.
We also produce cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) naturally inside our bodies, which make up one part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is our body's most widespread neuroreceptor system and is essential for regulating homeostasis or balance. This includes the inflammatory and immune response, digestive processes, cognitive function, sleep, and - crucially for people living with fibromyalgia - how we perceive pain.
Cannabinoids, endo and phyto, interact with the ECS receptors (and other systems in our bodies). These interactions act as chemical messages, signalling responses that help maintain balance in bodily functions.
While the research specifically into medical cannabis and fibro is still in its early stages, the progress so far is very promising.
What does the research say about medical cannabis and fibromyalgia?
In 2016, Professor Michael Barnes (one of the two NHS medical cannabis prescribing specialists who wrote one of the definitive reviews on the efficacy of medicinal cannabis for the UK government to consider pre-legalisation) stated that,
"We consider there is moderate evidence of efficacy for cannabinoid usage in fibromyalgia in the context of pain management and sleep."
Studies, trials, and patient reports all suggest that medical cannabis is a potent ally in the fight against fibromyalgia symptoms.
A critical review on the subject, which looked at five applicable studies involving 827 participants, found that "Although the critically reviewed studies superficially suggest that medical cannabis is a safe and effective treatment for fibromyalgia pain, serious methodological limitations prevent a definitive conclusion".
Another systematic review, this time focusing on 22 articles relating to medical cannabis and fibromyalgia concluded that "Ultimately, we believe that the use of cannabis and cannabinoids for pain relief in fibromyalgia has shown great potential and maybe a source of hope for those suffering from chronic pain associated with this condition, and for the physicians treating them; however, benefits need to be weighed against the harmful effects, and more research into this area should be conducted".
More research is underway as we speak, which will hopefully put to rest any doubts about the effectiveness and safety of medical cannabis in treating fibromyalgia symptoms.
Can medical cannabis help with the secondary symptoms of fibromyalgia?
Yes, cannabis-based medicines have shown great potential in:
What do patients say about medical cannabis for fibromyalgia?
Although clinical evidence remains in the early stages, there is substantial real-world data from patients who have reported significant improvements in their symptoms and overall quality of life due to medical cannabis.
Chronic pain issues are one of the most often cited reasons for medical cannabis prescriptions in the UK, and many of these patients have fibromyalgia. Our patients report:
- Reduced pain levels
- Improve sleep quality
- That daily tasks are easier to manage
- Reduced anxiety and depression symptoms
Can you get UK medical cannabis for fibromyalgia?
Yes, fibromyalgia patients can get a prescription for medical cannabis in the UK. Unfortunately, the NHS will not cover it. The other option is through a private cannabis clinic, like Releaf.
To be considered for a cannabis-based medicine prescription, you must have first tried two other conventional treatment options with no success. If this is the case, and you have a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, then you are quite likely to be entitled to a legal UK medical cannabis prescription.
To find out more, check out our free medical cannabis eligibility checker.
Do you need to bring anything to the initial consultation?
Our multidisciplinary clinical team will need access to a copy of your medical records. You can grab a paper or digital copy from your GP. Any other supporting documents relating to your specific health concerns are also of immense value.
If you have a diary or journal covering your symptoms and health journey so far, this can help us build a more detailed picture of your health and how it is affected by fibromyalgia.
FAQs
Which cannabinoid is best for fibromyalgia?
The current research is pointing towards both CBD and THC being effective for the range of symptoms related to fibromyalgia. Every person's endocannabinoid system and tolerance to cannabinoids is unique, so always speak to a prescribing specialist before making any changes to your current treatment plan.
Can I get a medical cannabis card for fibromyalgia?
Yes, but it is not a legal requirement in the UK. Check out our blog post covering the ins and outs of fibromyalgia medical cannabis cards to learn more.
Does fibromyalgia go away?
No, in most people, fibromyalgia is a chronic condition which, unfortunately, doesn't just disappear. However, you can improve your symptoms with careful management and the right combination of treatments.
How bad is smoking for fibromyalgia?
Very. Smoking tobacco is not recommended, especially for a person with fibromyalgia. It is a stimulant, which can make sleep and relaxation difficult, and it has zero pain-relieving properties. Medical cannabis flower is never prescribed to be smoked, only vaporised.
What is the newest treatment for fibromyalgia?
Cannabis-based medicine options became legal in the UK in 2018 and are spearheading the current plant-based, natural treatments for fibromyalgia.
Final thoughts
While there is a lot we still don't understand about fibromyalgia, and how medical cannabis can help, the current clinical evidence and real-world experiences show that it can't be ignored as a potential treatment option. Anyone who has suffered through the pain, sleeplessness, anxiety, and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia will know that all new treatment options are worth exploring.
If you or a loved one is struggling with fibromyalgia, endometriosis, or any other chronic pain issue and would like to learn more about medical cannabis, please visit our education hub to find out more. If you're ready to take the first step towards better health, head over to our free medical cannabis eligibility checker to get the ball rolling!
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It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
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Sam North, a seasoned writer with over five years' experience and expertise in medicinal cannabis, brings clarity to complex concepts, focusing on education and informed use.
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