Nowadays, there are many claims regarding the positive effects of CBD products and that includes CBD oil for fibromyalgia. We will be discussing how such product, devoid of any chemicals other than its source's natural secretions, can be of great help for people suffering from a painful and incurable disease. Discussed also below are some of the common CBD product brands wherein one can yield many benefits.
What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia Syndrome, or FMS, is a chronic pain syndrome affecting soft tissues and major muscle groups. It is one of the most common pain syndromes and it also greatly impacts the central nervous system. The brain will misinterpret the sensations of pain that might occur from the different areas of the body.
The National Fibromyalgia Association estimates around 10 million people in the US (about 3 percent of the American population) is suffering from fibromyalgia. In a global scale, the number of people suffering from the disease reaches about 3 to 6 percent of the world's population.
While one is having the illness, the body may become oversensitive. Fortunately, constant moderate exercise, relaxation and good sleep can have positive effects that will help improve the condition.
Symptoms
Fibromyalgia, like all other syndromes, is a term implying to a collection of connecting symptoms. The symptoms are chronic, which means it occurs on a regular basis and affects the body's threshold for pain. As of now, there is no clear origin how this collection of symptoms came to be and therefore, not a single expert finds a way to cure it entirely.
Fibromyalgia affects more females compared to males. In the recent US government statistics, 75 to 90 percent of the cases of fibromyalgia indicate that the individuals affected are females. The male patients have lesser amount of symptoms and less mild compared to female patients. Here are the general symptoms that comprise the Fibromyalgia Syndrome:
- Severe and widespread pain in neck, back and major muscle groups
- A feeling of worrying tenderness in some areas of the body
- Oversensitivity to light
- Sleep disturbance or insomnia
- Headache
- Low levels of energy or fatigue
- Morning stiffness
- Inflammation or burning sensation
- Anxiety and depression
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
There can be some people experiencing inflammation but the illness doesn't promote tissue damage. The predominant symptoms are the severe and widespread physical pain, which also links to fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression and tenderness of some areas of the body.
About 20 percent of those who felt pain while having fibromyalgia have worrisome experiences involving anxiety and depression. While having the illness, cognitive disturbances can be common. Then, those disturbances will cause the victims to have a feeling of disorientation, memory difficulties and headaches.
You can also expect that you will feel numbness on other parts of the body and sometimes, you can feel a tingling sensation. If you are experiencing the symptoms for more than 3 months, then it is unfortunate to say they imply that you have a Fibromyalgia Syndrome. Additionally, people with other illnesses like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or spinal arthritis can develop fibromyalgia later on.
Causes
There is so much grey area regarding the causes of fibromyalgia. Some classify it as neuropathy while others classify it as functional somatic disorder. Basing on the symptoms, some experts have said that either biological factors such as genetics or environmental triggers like way of living can lead to the illness.
More or less, here are the existing conditions where one might likely develop the Fibromyalgia Syndrome.
- Having existing physical pain conditions due to other illnesses or accidents
- Having mood disorder
- Physically inactive
- Female Gender
- Experienced being physically abused
- Having a history of PTSD
Another condition that makes one susceptible to fibromyalgia is endocannabinoid deficiency. This means that the endocannabinoid system has serious problems, somewhere in its receptors or one of its components. This may have been one of the main reasons why experts consider CBD oil for fibromyalgia as cbd directly interacts with endocannabinoid system.
What Is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the 2 major compounds derived from marijuana or any cannabis plant. The other major compound is the notorious tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Unlike the addiction-causing THC, CBD doesn't make you feel ‘high' and it is responsible for affecting the endocannabinoid system in a good way wherein the whole body can feel numerous benefits.
The main reason why majority of the world sees marijuana as a top illegal drug is because of THC. Another effect of too much presence of THC in the bodily systems is the change of mood in negative ways like paranoia and anxiety. Ironically, when you greatly reduce THC to the point of non-existence, marijuana becomes medically beneficial due to the presence of CBD.
Most CBD products come from extracting the direct cousin of marijuana – the hemp. This is a plant that has a significant large percentage of CBD content far greater than marijuana. The most common output from extracting hemps is CBD oil.
As CBD affects the endocannabinoid system, the result can affect a person's pain tolerance and rate of recovery. That is why many studies suggest that CBD products can be great alternatives to some of the pharmaceutical products. Knowing that fibromyalgia is an illness that brings chronic pain to almost the entire body, there is no wonder many experts consider CBD.
There can be many ways of taking in CBD to the body. You can smoke the product just like a tobacco, consume it as either a snack or liquid, or apply it on your skin like a lotion cream. Whatever manner you choose to apply the CBD product, the body can reap its benefits.
Aside from pure CBD oil, majority of the manufacturers make CBD products in the form of tinctures, creams, chewables, pills and beverage flavoring. Tinctures can be classified as CBD oil and the method of its consumption is through a medicine dropper. You can either capture its drop with your tongue or apply it on your regular food products as a special ingredient.
CBD oil can be available in 3 types: full-spectrum, in which there is 0.3 percent of THC content; broad spectrum, wherein there are presence of other cannabis compounds not including THC; and CBD isolate, which is purely comprised of CBD only. Manufacturers who extract from farm-bred, chemical-free hemp produces the best CBD oil in the market.
Research Overview of CBD Oil & Fibromyalgia
Now that you know the general information about the Fibromyalgia Syndrome and CBD oil, let us discover more on the connection between the two. As numerous research papers suggest that CBD is effective in improving the healing capabilities of the body, there are studies linking CBD oil for fibromyalgia treatment.
However, let's get this straight first: there is no cure currently for fibromyalgia. So, what is the role of CBD in the process? Realistically, the potential of CBD as an overall cure or relief is massive as well as debatable.
According to National Institute of Health's (NIH) PubChem database, they identify CBD, based on its molecular structure, as a compound with “analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic and chemo preventive activities.” Since the symptoms of fibromyalgia comprise of severe body pain and occasional inflammation, CBD becomes an interesting solution.
In 2014, the National Pain Report and National Pain Foundation conducted a comprehensive online survey with 1,300 fibromyalgia patients. It was found that marijuana is more effective in treating fibromyalgia symptoms compared to these 3 FDA-approved fibromyalgia drugs:
- Lyrica (Pregabalin)
- Cymbalta (Duloxetine)
- Savella (Milnacipran)
Although around 70 percent of the surveyed fibromyalgia patients had never experienced taking medical marijuana before, the end result after consumption is very much positive. This opened more opportunities to CBD oil, which is far superior to medical marijuana in terms of medical benefits.
Summarized Key Factors About CBD Oil & Fibromyalgia
- There are documents indicating that CBD oil is used as treatment for the side-effects of a number chronic diseases related to fibromyalgia.
- Since the effect of CBD oil for pain relief is widely proven, it may help with anti-inflammation while having fibromyalgia.
- CBD can lessen the side-effects of fibromyalgia relating to anxiety and sleep problems, and thus, it has a potential for curing depression.
- People suffering fibromyalgia can apply CBD topicals on sore muscles.
- Aside from taken orally, CBD products can be absorbed through the bloodstream or digestive tract in gaseous state.
- Upon inhaling the gaseous form of CBD products, you can feel the effect within 5-6 minutes. In comparison, CBD products absorbed via the digestive tract can take up to 6 hours before results are noticeable.
- Instead of the ‘high' felt when smoking marijuana, CBD products promote relaxation without any harmful, addictive effects.
- Fibromyalgia patients who are using CBD products have better mood and quality of life compared to non-users.
- Applying or consuming CBD oil for 1 to 3 weeks is recommended based on many medical observations in order to encourage pain-relief.
Best CBD Oil for Fibromyalgia In 2021
Now that we have discussed thoroughly the nature of fibromyalgia and how CBD products can be a positive impact to such an incurable illness, let's take a look at some of the best CBD oil brands in the market today.
Founded in 2014 and established formally in 2017, Fab CBD has been one of the top brands when it comes to producing the purest CBD hemp oil. Their hemp sources are 100 percent farm-grown without any influence of chemicals such as insecticides. Which is why the Fab cbd oil is on top of our list
Like majority of the CBD oil brands, their products are not FDA-approved. However, they have undergone legitimate testing from an accredited third-party laboratory. Aside from CBD oil, they have a wide array of products which includes gummies, topical creams, dog treats, and superfoods.
Likes:
- Hemp source is farm-grown without any usage of chemicals
- Tested by accredited third-party laboratory
- Offers a variety of flavors for CBD oil and other edibles
- Non-GMO
- Products can either be full-spectrum, broad spectrum or isolate
- Uses a CO2 extraction method
- Official website is user-friendly
- Affordable
Dislikes:
- Products can be sold out easily due to being affordable
- Certificates of Analysis (COA) are lacking
Medterra
Medterra is another reputable brand for CBD hemp oil. Founded in 2017, the small company establishes its base in Irvine, California. Medterra has their products processed in a certified Good Manufacturing Practices, or cGMP, facility wherein there are regular audits from the FDA.
The company is certified by US Hemp Authority and with that, they have all the reasons to strive more in developing isolate CBD products. While some of the ingredients in their products are organic, Medterra doesn't utilize organic hemp as CBD product source.
Instead, they get their hemp source from farms that are part of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's Industrial Hemp Pilot Program. Medterra has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau or BBB.
Likes:
- Uses a CO2 extraction method
- Tested by accredited third-party laboratory
- Fast domestic shipping
- US Hemp Authority certified
- Hemp source part of innovative government project
- Wide selection of flavors
- Products available in different potency levels
- Operating in a cGMP facility
- Money-back guarantee
- No trace of THC in all product selections
Dislikes:
- Limited to broad-spectrum and isolate CBD products
- Outdated Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- No CBD oil available for vaping usage
Started in 2016, CBDPure is a family-run business in Colorado. The company has a mission to provide the best products, specifically CBD hemp oil, to the market at an affordable price. The farms for their hemp source do not use pesticides or any harmful chemicals.
Like most of the CBD product manufacturers, a third-party laboratory tests CBDPure's products. One signature of the company is relying only on a single flavor for their product. Despite that, there are 3 concentrations available.
Likes:
- Affordable
- Multiple Certificates of Analysis (COA)
- Hemp source is farm-grown without any usage of chemicals
- Tested by accredited third-party laboratory
- Offers coupons
- Money-back guarantee
- Uses a CO2 extraction method
- User-friendly website
Dislikes:
- Very limited flavor choice
- Focused only in CBD oil, which results in having no topicals nor edibles available
CBD Oil Dosage Guide for Fibromyalgia
How much CBD oil a fibromyalgia patient needs? The thing is that everyone has a different dosage since everyone has different pain threshold. There can be people from various walks in life that are suffering from the incurable illness and the amount that works for one might not be enough for another.
Obviously, the CBD dosage for fibromyalgia is greater than a person suffering from insomnia or any mild disease. That flexibility in dosage selection is one of the miraculous aspects of CBD products. It seems that overconsumption cannot lead to serious, irreparable damages in the body.
Therefore, doctors can prescribe fibromyalgia patients the same dosage amount for insomnia and still have room to recommend more. Logically, you want to start at low amounts at slower pace and increase from there while gauging the effects.
Additional Benefits That CBD Oil Poses
You are now informed what marvels CBD oil and other products can do to the body and how it affects patients suffering from fibromyalgia. Aside from relieving pain and improving recovery rate, here is the CBD oil benefits list:
- CBD Oil for Epilepsy
Currently, there is only a single medicinal use of CBD that is FDA-approved. That is for epilepsy, specifically Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
- CBD oil for Incurable Diseases
The list of incurable diseases, besides fibromyalgia, that CBD oil can have positive impacts includes the following:
- Glaucoma
- Alzheimer's disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson's disease
- Huntington’s disease
- Cancerous tumors
CBD oil cannot cure the aforementioned illnesses but its ability to reduce physical pain in such a significant amount is enough to consider it medically beneficial.
- CBD Oil for Anxiety
You can use CBD oil for anxiety and other problems related to that. It can provide you a sense of relaxation, which promotes better sleep and thus reduce insomnia. It can also help in quelling depressing thoughts and even help in recuperating if you will be experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD.
- CBD Oil for Recurring Body Pain
Arthritis, joint swelling, bruises and inflammation brought by physical injury can be overcome with CBD products. Although the numbing effect is nowhere near to morphine, CBD still helps reduce pain and make your road to recovery less traumatic.
- CBD oil for Weight Problems
For the malnourished, CBD oil encourages one's appetite, while for the obese, it can stimulate the metabolism more.
Will CBD Oil Cause Any Side Effects?
Just like in any medication, no matter how it is considered as ‘miraculous', there will always be side-effects. However, the effectiveness of a drug or treatment relies on how less the number of side-effects can there be. For treating fibromyalgia, here are the CBD oil side effects:
- Low blood pressure
- Dry mouth
- Lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
- Liver enzymes changes
- Diarrhea
From the side-effects found, it seems that they are less damaging and in fact, they are tolerable except for diarrhea and the changes to liver enzymes. Diarrhea can vary from one person to another but mostly, you can cure that with other prescribed medication. On the other hand, CBD hinders cytochrome p450, which are enzymes assisting in dissolving drugs in the liver.
For a person suffering other than fibromyalgia, CBD oil might have additional side-effects. If you are fond of grapefruits, stop eating them when consuming CBD products. Generally, CBD oil and other products are seen as harmless, so far.
Is It Even Legal to Use CBD Oil?
You do realize that there is a figuratively thin line between the legality of marijuana and cannabis plants, right? THC makes it being categorized as an illegal drug while CBD has a massive potential to become a medical marvel. Overall, the debate lives on but there are parts in the world that have moved forward and start recognizing CBD products as medication.
So, is it legal to buy CBD oil and use it? That depends on where you are located and where the store is operating. There are places where selling of CBD products is illegal and there are more locations that punish buyers. The safest answer is to refer to the laws first with just a quick browse in the internet.
CBD products' legality in the US regions that allowed their usage is due to the fact that the THC content is not greater than 0.3 percent. Another type of CBD product, the CBD isolate, has no trace of the harmful THC. As per stated in The Hemp Farming Act in the 2018 Farm Bill, the federal law considers CBD products legal.
In the UK, due to the classification of drugs by Misuse of Drugs Act of 1971, CBD products can be freely purchased as long as they have less than 0.2 percent THC content. In the USA, the FDA approval is not that big of a deal since not all states agree with the legality of CBD products. Each state is still free to impose ban on CBD products and anything related to cannabis on their territory.
Key Takeaways
Fibromyalgia Syndrome is a very discomforting illness that currently has no cure. It is a collection of symptoms mostly comprises of body pain. Such illness has also no known cause and records indicate that a large percentage of the patients affected are women.
Although it is incurable, the effects of CBD can be of great help. Due to its capability to improve pain threshold and speed up recovery rate, CBD products can be used to ease some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Even if there are only a few numbers of studies conducted exclusively focusing on the CBD products' effect on fibromyalgia, there are no reported serious side-effects.
Aside from easing the pain, CBD oil and other products have other medical benefits also. It can aid in sleeping habits, discourage anxiety attacks and boost metabolism. Generally, CBD oil is good for people suffering fibromyalgia.
From the products presented, it is hard to decide which brand is the best CBD for fibromyalgia. All 3 of them have similar advantages, technical-wise, and can really help fight the many symptoms of fibromyalgia. If you need to choose a brand, base your decision on your local government's policies and regulations about CBD products and medical marijuana.
