Here Is Everything You Should Know About CBD For Fibromyalgia Pain?

Fibromyalgia is one of those chronic conditions that pretty much has everyone flummoxed. No one seems to know what causes it or how to treat it effectively. Oh, and there’s no cure.

Brain imaging and studies have shown that fibromyalgia is a disorder of the central nervous system. It’s a chronic disorder that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain. The pain associated with fibromyalgia often is confused with arthritis or inflamed joints. However, it affects soft tissue, not joints.

The symptoms can fluctuate in intensity, location and duration. Fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties (memory problems or thinking clearly) and stiffness are the most reported symptoms.

People who have this condition often also suffer from depression or anxiety, migraines, tension headaches, pelvic pain, irritable or overactive bladder, and more. Pharmaceuticals rarely work well and often have side effects almost equally as onerous as the condition.

CBD for nerve pain

But, take heart. CBD balm for nerve pain, may be worth checking into. Dr. Ethan Russo, a prominent neurologist and pharmacologist who has dedicated much of his professional career to studying cannabis and the endocannabinoid system, theorized that fibromyalgia could be related to Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency.

As I’ve stated before, we all have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) already in place in our brains and throughout our bodies. Russo’s thought is that a CBD deficiency may be the underlying culprit in this chronic condition. Applying CBD balm for nerve pain may help reduce the deficiency. The CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS communicate with the applied CBD for nerve pain, which can help reduce pain.

In 2014, the National Pain Foundation surveyed 1,300 patients about their pain treatment. Of survey participants, 390 had used CBD for nerve pain with these results:

• 62% reported CBD as very effective in treating their symptoms
• 33% reported that cannabis helped a little
• Only 5% said it didn’t help

For those who used FDA-approved medications:

• 8 to 10% reported Cymbalta, Lyrica or Savella as effective
• 60 to 68% responded that those drugs didn’t help at all

How does CBD relieve pain?

Researchers have only begun to look at how CBD can help relieve pain in some people and not others. As I mentioned earlier, the ECS in all of us interacts with cannabinoids that are produced in our bodies, called endocannabinoids, and CBD that is applied externally. The ECS helps to regulate functions such as sleep, immune-system responses and pain.

The ECS receptors, CB1 and CB2, patrol the body to help maintain the status quo. CB1 receptors are found in the brain and throughout the body. CB2 receptors mostly monitor the immune and gastrointestinal systems, with a smaller presence in the brain. 

Applied CBD balm for nerve pain could interrupt nerve paths that send pain messages to the brain and body, thus relieving the intensity.

CBD is also a known anti-inflammatory, which seems to be a root in fibromyalgia. CBD interacts with receptors throughout the body to relieve pain by reducing the swelling and heat that occurs with inflammation.

Is CBD for you?

Good question. It affects everyone differently, and dosage is not yet regulated. On the other hand, side effects are minimal, if any. Consult your doctor, do your research and know what you are getting. Before you do that, read Life after fibromyalgia, Carolyn’s journey to relieving fibromyalgia symptoms with CBD.