CBD Oil for Fibromyalgia: Is It Effective? A Complete Guide

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I have helped work with thousands of people using CBD oil to treat fibromyalgia with some good results. In this article, I will share this experience with you.

CBD oil is made from extracting cannabidiol compounds from the cannabis plant. It has a range of possible therapeutic effects, making it a popular choice for many people seeking natural treatment options.

CBD is often used for many mental and physical disorders due to its wide-ranging possible benefits and ease of use. This includes several chronic pain conditions, like fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia and CBD oil

Currently, there is no known cure for fibromyalgia. This highly damaging chronic pain disorder causes many symptoms, including cognitive and mood issues, muscle pain, and fatigue (1).

Because of its long-term nature, most of the treatment options available focus on pain management. However, many of these medications can have a host of adverse side effects and are highly addictive. A natural alternative has emerged in the form of CBD, which has been presented as a natural alternative to that may possibly help to improve fibromyalgia patients’ quality of life.

Prevention of fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a complex disease. How it arises in individuals can be the result of many different factors, including genetics. However, symptoms often begin after trauma, infection, or significant levels of stress (2). Interestingly, after a physical or mental trauma, people who have post-traumatic stress disorder are also more likely to develop fibromyalgia (3).

CBD has been shown to possibly ease post-traumatic stress symptoms. Some research suggests that taking CBD immediately after a trauma makes it harder for the brain to form memories that may later cause PTSD symptoms. This phenomenon is due to its interaction with several key brain regions (4).

Researchers found that drugs that act on the endocannabinoid system, like CBD, may reduce symptoms of a person with PTSD, including interrupted sleep, anxiety, and nightmares (5).

We cannot make concrete statements here but the evidence is certainly promising.

Fibromyalgia symptoms

The symptoms associated with fibromyalgia include widespread pain, sleep disorders, migraines, and high anxiety levels (6). Luckily, CBD oil’s wide-ranging therapeutic effects make it a great option to ease some of these symptoms.

Researchers investigated a group of people who had fibromyalgia and whether they used cannabis. Just two hours after using cannabis, patients experienced benefits, including reduced stiffness and pain, increased sleepiness, and higher mental health scores (7).

Cannabinoids, like CBD, can interact with a system in our bodies called the endocannabinoid system. When this occurs, signals are sent out via this system, which may possibly help decrease inflammation and reduce pain (8).

However, many studies investigating CBD for fibromyalgia patients have been with the whole cannabis plant, not CBD itself. More research is still needed to explore this relationship, although research so far has been encouraging.

Fibromyalgia treatment

While there is currently no cure for fibromyalgia, many types of medications can help control symptoms. In addition to this, gentle forms of exercise and stress-relieving activities may also help (9).

While CBD hasn’t yet been approved as an official treatment option for fibromyalgia, it may be useful to possibly ease several symptoms of fibromyalgia. Using CBD oil alongside other medication forms may significantly improve the patient’s quality of life through treatment.

Researchers investigated this in a famous 2019 Israeli study. Hundreds of fibromyalgia patients took medical cannabis and were observed over six months. While the study used many cannabis strains that contained CBD and THC, researchers concluded that CBD-rich medical cannabis was an effective additional treatment for fibromyalgia (10).

CBD has also been shown to possibly help keep stress levels low. When endocannabinoid receptors within the body respond to CBD, relaxation of the body and mind may naturally occur, decreasing feelings of stress and anxiety (11).

How does CBD possibly help with fibromyalgia?

Everyone has an endocannabinoid system within their body. This complex system, consisting of endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes, is responsible for many cell processes that contribute to health (12). 

Cannabinoids like CBD can interact with the endocannabinoid system. When this occurs, it is thought that signals are put out to help reduce feelings of pain and discomfort while also reducing inflammation. This is beneficial for people who have fibromyalgia.

In addition to this, CBD can also interact with serotonin levels. Improving “happy hormone” levels may possibly help decrease feelings of sadness or anxiety often experienced with chronic pain (13).

How to use CBD oil for fibromyalgia?

CBD oils usually come in a tincture and are considered one of the most fast-absorbing ways to consume CBD in a product form. Oils can either be applied topically, taken orally in capsules, or dissolved under the tongue.

If you are interested in using CBD oil as a natural option for fibromyalgia treatment, it is recommended to talk to your doctor before trying it out. They will be able to ease any worries you might have about incorporating a new treatment into your regime and advise whether CBD is the best option for your needs.

When starting a new CBD product, it is essential to start slow, especially if you have never taken CBD products before. Ideally, your body will adjust to the CBD pretty quickly. However, everyone is different. So, starting with a small amount at first and working your way up over time is a great way to get your body to adjust to a new product slowly!

CBD side effects

CBD is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, some have experienced minimal side effects. These include weight and appetite changes, fatigue, and dizziness (14).

It is good to talk to your doctor if side effects worsen or if you worry about CBD’s interaction with any additional medication you may be taking.

Fibromyalgia and CBD oil: the bottom line

While research investigating CBD’s possible effects on fibromyalgia, it is still in the early stages, some studies show optimistic results. In particular, CBD may play a useful role in treating fibromyalgia symptoms, including pain and mood disorders.

CBD is generally well-tolerated, but side effects can occur. Because fibromyalgia is a serious condition, talking to your doctor before CBD use is recommended.

If you would like to speak to a professional about using medicinal cannabis and CBD for fibromyalgia, you can book in with us.

Disclaimer – medicinal cannabis and CBD oil are unapproved medicines in NZ which means that there is no conclusive evidence for their effect, apart from Sativex. Many doctors do not routinely prescribe cannabis medicines. The above article was written for general educational purposes and does not intend to suggest that medicinal cannabis can be used to treat any health condition. Please consult with your healthcare provider. 

Dr. Waseem Alzaher

MBChB (Otago), BSc (Auckland) - As our tele-medicine doctor and author, Dr. Waseem keeps busy educating both patients and doctors about medicinal cannabis. He also consults with people from all over New Zealand, offering a listening ear and giving the most relevant advice.