Many CBD sellers are quick to claim that CBD is a miracle cure for everything, and fibromyalgia is often on the list. So let’s just clear one thing up; CBD oil is not a medicine. It’s a supplement. It’s best to think of it as a vitamin rather than a drug. Anecdotally, we know that individuals with certain conditions are exploring CBD as a potential treatment for their symptoms. But at this stage, there isn’t enough evidence to support the use of CBD for most conditions. There are only two types of CBD medication available in the UK. These are used to treat MS and rare forms of epilepsy. They also aren’t widely prescribed. You can read more about CBD oil for MS here. So, if you are living with fibromyalgia and wondering if you can use CBD oil to manage your symptoms, you’re in the right place. We do believe in the power of CBD oil, but we’re not going to get your hopes up with false claims. Let’s take a realistic look at the topic of how CBD might be used for fibromyalgia. What is CBD oil? CBD is a cannabinoid that is extracted from the cannabis plant. Another more famous cannabinoid is THC, which is the psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for the “high”. Unlike THC, CBD does not get you high. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This is a system of receptors, neurotransmitters and enzymes that helps to maintain a state of homeostasis or balance. The ECS is present throughout the body, including in the peripheral and central nervous systems, skin, digestive systems, and organs. We’re still learning about the ECS and what it does, but it is thought that CBD products help to support this system by increasing the presence of endocannabinoids in the body. What causes fibromyalgia? The exact causes of fibromyalgia are still unknown, but doctors believe it could be down to several factors, rather than a single cause. This could include abnormal pain messages, chemical imbalances, sleep problems, genetics and even certain triggers. One theory put forth by Dr Ethan B Russo is that a deficient endocannabinoid system could trigger the condition. He links the condition to migraine headaches and irritable bowel syndrome, as the three conditions are often seen together. There isn’t a test to see if your endocannabinoid system is working correctly. But since fibromyalgia could be linked to abnormal pain messages and chemical imbalances – and these are processes linked to the ECS – CBD oil could offer hope. The theory alone is enough to prompt some people living with the condition to explore CBD oil as a potential treatment option. What are the common symptoms of fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a condition characterised by widespread pain. It may be felt throughout the body but could be worse in areas such as your neck or back. Those living with fibromyalgia are also likely to have increased sensitivity to pain. For example, slight touches can be painful, while minor injuries such as stubbing your toe might be excruciating, and the pain will last longer than usual. Those with fibromyalgia may also suffer from stiff joints and muscles. This will worsen when you are inactive and may be the most painful in the morning after waking up. Stiffness can also lead to painful muscle spasms. The condition can also cause sleep problems and extreme tiredness. For example, you might struggle to sleep at night despite feeling very tired all day. And finally, individuals with fibromyalgia often report persistent headaches and something known as “fibro fog”. This is linked to cognitive problems that can make it difficult to remember things or concentrate. Can you use CBD oil for fibromyalgia? With these symptoms in mind, it’s easy to see why individuals turn to CBD oil for fibromyalgia. CBD is commonly used to support general health and wellbeing and is thought to support the ECS. Some of the side effects of CBD oil may help individuals living with fibromyalgia manage their symptoms. For example, drowsiness is a common side effect of using CBD oil. Adding it to your nighttime routine could therefore help you to drop off to sleep more easily. By establishing better sleep patterns and allowing you to get more restorative sleep, you may be able to combat the headaches and cognitive problems that are often triggered by non-restorative sleep. So while CBD might not be a recognised treatment for fibromyalgia, it could help you manage some of your symptoms. It’s also recommended for general wellbeing and may be used alongside lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and exercising. How to use CBD oil for fibromyalgia CBD is available in many different forms, but CBD oil is the most common. To use CBD oil, you would drop or spray the oil under your tongue and leave it there. It is absorbed directly into your bloodstream through the small blood vessels under your tongue. You can consult our CBD dosage chart and calculator to find out how much you should use. You can also vape CBD oil by using a specialist vape liquid. The cannabinoid compounds are inhaled as a vapour and then pass into your bloodstream through your lungs. CBD is also available in capsules and gummies. With a capsule, you would swallow it like a vitamin, and the CBD is absorbed through the stomach and the walls of your gut. With a gummy, you would chew the sweet to release some of the CBD into your mouth where it can be absorbed and then swallow the rest. And finally, CBD is also available as a cream. This is often combined with pain-relieving ingredients such as camphor or chilli. A muscle balm may be ideal for those living with fibromyalgia to help alleviate painful joints and muscles. How to choose the right CBD oil for you Sourcing a high-quality CBD oil is the best option if you are thinking about using CBD oil for fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, the CBD market is still quite unregulated. The only requirement is that sellers do not include high levels of THC. As a result, it’s not uncommon for hemp oil to be marketed as CBD oil when the two are very different. To ensure you are getting a high-quality and effective product, we recommend looking for a certificate of analysis. This simple document will tell you the concentration of CBD in the product and will also allow you to confirm that the THC level is below the legal amount. If you’ve tried CBD oil in the past and didn’t notice any results, it could be that you have tried an inferior brand. We recommend trying a reputable CBD brand and using the product consistently for at least one month. This will allow you to identify any potential improvements in your symptoms. If you are taking other medications for your fibromyalgia, you should always confirm with a GP or pharmacist that these two products won’t interact.
