Can medical cannabis help manage debilitating fibromyalgia symptoms?
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterised by widespread pain and tenderness in muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It is often accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties which are often referred to as “fibro fog”, mood disturbances, and headaches. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
This World Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, we aim to raise awareness about this chronic pain condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
It is estimated that nearly 1 in 20 people may have fibromyalgia. However, diagnosing fibromyalgia can be a challenging task, which is why the exact number of people affected is unclear.
Why is fibromyalgia so hard to diagnose?
As there are no specific tests available for fibromyalgia, and the symptoms may resemble various other chronic conditions, it is particulary hard to diagnose. Some of the factors that make it notoriously difficult to diagnose are:
- Symptoms Overlap: The symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties, overlap with those of many other conditions. This can make it challenging for healthcare providers to distinguish fibromyalgia from other disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Subjectivity of Symptoms: Many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as pain and fatigue, are subjective and can vary greatly from person to person. Additionally, these symptoms may fluctuate in intensity and frequency over time, further complicating the diagnostic process.
- Lack of Objective Diagnostic Tests: Unlike many other medical conditions that can be diagnosed through laboratory tests or imaging studies, there are no specific diagnostic tests for fibromyalgia. Diagnosis is primarily based on a thorough medical history, physical examination, and the presence of characteristic symptoms.
- Diagnostic Criteria: Fibromyalgia was historically considered a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that other possible causes of symptoms had to be ruled out before a diagnosis could be made. However, in 2010, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) developed diagnostic criteria that rely primarily on the presence of widespread pain and tenderness at specific anatomical sites known as tender points. While these criteria have helped standardise the diagnosis of fibromyalgia to some extent, they may still miss individuals who experience widespread pain but do not meet all of the criteria.
- Lack of Awareness: Fibromyalgia is still not widely understood among healthcare providers, leading to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis. Many healthcare providers may not be familiar with the diagnostic criteria or may dismiss patients’ symptoms, further delaying diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
- Patient Hesitancy to Seek Help: Due to the lack of awareness and understanding surrounding fibromyalgia, some individuals may hesitate to seek medical help for their symptoms, believing that they will not be taken seriously or that there are no effective treatments available.
Medical cannabis for fibromyalgia
Cannabinoids are compounds found in the cannabis plant that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating pain, mood, sleep, and other functions. Medical cannabis, which contains cannabinoids such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), has gained attention as a treatment option for fibromyalgia.
A review published in the journal Current Rheumatology Reports examined the existing evidence on cannabis and fibromyalgia and found that cannabinoids may be effective in reducing pain, improving sleep, and enhancing quality of life in individuals with fibromyalgia.
One of the key ways in which medical cannabis may help manage fibromyalgia is by reducing pain and inflammation. Studies indicate that THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, has analgesic properties that can help alleviate pain associated with fibromyalgia. CBD, on the other hand, has anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties and may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is believed to contribute to the pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia.
In addition to pain relief, studies reveal medical cannabis may also help improve sleep quality by helping patients relax and unwind, which can be particularly beneficial for those struggling with sleep disturbances and mood issues.
How can Mamedica help you?
Our doctors work with you to understand the right medical cannabis treatment to help manage your condition and its symptoms effectively.
We offer tailored treatments for various conditions in areas such as pain management, psychiatry, and neurology, which is especially beneficial when dealing with the various symptoms of fibromyalgia. Discover the conditions we support here.
To find out if medical cannabis could be an option for you, a loved one, or a patient, take our free eligibility test in under 60 seconds.