There is one treatment that I have been waiting to try, but for accessibility issues, have only been recently able to: CBD oil. CBD oil and fibromyalgia have a fair amount of literature supporting it.
But how exactly does CBD work, and can it provide the much-needed relief from fibromyalgia symptoms?
CBD and Fibromyalgia Pain Management
CBD is a compound found in cannabis plants that has been studied for its potential effects on pain and inflammation. It’s thought to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in regulating a variety of functions including pain, mood, and sleep.
CBD may influence the ECS by modifying the activity of its receptors, which helps to reduce the perception of pain and inflammation. For those battling the persistent pain of fibromyalgia, this interaction might offer a glimpse of hope.
The Science Behind CBD
Scientific studies add weight to the claims of CBD’s effectiveness against pain and inflammation. For instance, a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information highlights CBD’s role as both an analgesic and an anti-inflammatory agent.
The main reason I have been waiting to try it is because of it’s synergistic effects with low dose naltrexone (LDN). LDN is said to also work on the endocannabinoid system.
Dosage and Administration Methods
CBD is available in many forms, each offering its own unique benefits and potential drawbacks. From oils to capsules and even edibles, the choices are abundant. When considering CBD for fibromyalgia, it’s essential to start with a low dosage and gradually increase it based on how your body responds. Consultation with healthcare professionals can provide personalized guidance on finding the right dosage.
Benefits of CBD for Fibromyalgia
The allure of CBD for fibromyalgia lies in its multifaceted benefits, which may include pain relief, improved sleep quality, and enhanced mental well-being.
Pain Relief and Reduction of Muscle Spasms
CBD’s potential to relieve pain and reduce muscle spasms is well-documented in numerous studies. A systematic analysis on fibromyalgia treatment indicates that cannabinoids might offer short-term reduction in fibromyalgia pain, providing an alternative to traditional pain medications.
Improvement in Sleep Quality
Most with fibromyalgia know the long night of insomnia and/or poor quality sleep. CBD might help promote better sleep, as suggested by evidence indicating that it enhances sleep quality by addressing underlying pain and anxiety issues.
Mental Health Benefits
Living with chronic pain can be emotionally taxing, often leading to anxiety and depression. CBD’s potential role in alleviating these symptoms is significant. It interacts with receptors in the brain that regulate mood, offering a sense of calm and well-being that can only be supportive.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of CBD
Like any treatment, CBD comes with potential risks and side effects, which should be considered carefully.
Common Side Effects
While CBD is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects in some individuals. Common issues include drowsiness, dry mouth, and potential interactions with other medications. Understanding these effects is crucial before starting CBD treatment.
Consultation with Healthcare Professionals
Before introducing CBD into your treatment regimen, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide insights into its suitability based on your unique health profile, ensuring that it complements any existing treatments you may be undergoing. In New Zealand the usual practice is to go to a CBD specific clinic. It is a prescription only medication here.
My experiment
The CBD clinic doctor recommended I start with 0.25ml of pure CBD (no THC) twice per day, at the same time each day. Increasing the dose every three days as was comfortable, until I found benefit.
I started on 24th September 2024. I took 0.25ml at bedtime, under the tongue. And again at 7.45am the next morning. It gave me the after taste of a plant, and I felt a little strange after taking it. Nothing quantifiable. I may have noticed a reduction in neck stiffness and pain. It’s hard to decide attribution at this stage.
On the third morning dose, at .4ml, I wondered if it was helping pain. Fatigue was high due to lack of deep sleep (since starting CBD)!.
The third evening I took 0.5ml an hour before my LDN and I think that worked better. I had 27% deep sleep! I don’t think I ever have had that much. But only 10% REM.
After this things went downhill with my sleep. I believe the quetiapine and LDN were being affected by the CBD. I tried morning only CBD dose for a few days. And then went off. It was a shame as it did seem to help my neck.
Conclusion
My conclusion is that it’s good to be mindful of our own sensitivities and how we react to medications. I was told by my GP and the prescribing clinician that they have patients that take CBD and quetiapine with no problems, despite my seeing online that it may interact. It clearly did interact, and it appears to have thrown off how well quetiapine works for me. My sleep has not been the same since this experiment.
I was told by other patients that we likely need the THC with the CBD for it to be effective, but as I am taking LDN and I am sensitive to medications, I decided not to try that.
CBD didn’t work for my specific situation. But it’s worth researching for yourself.
To read about the things that do work for me see the following
