How to Use CBD Oil To Effectively Treat Fibromyalgia
According to statistics provided by the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) as many as 10 million Americans suffer from Fibromyalgia. It is a chronic pain condition characterized by tender areas on the body, exhaustion, aches, stiffness, pains, and problems with sleep.
Scientists have previously struggled to understand the condition completely but research focused on the central nervous system has shown that people who suffer from this condition have increased sensitivity which leads to pain and can vary from person to person. The condition is also shown to amplify with mental conditions like increased stress.
In the past many years, people have been prescribed drugs to help treat Fibromyalgia. Most of these drugs focus on providing relief from pain or help with sleeping disorders, but some of them also work on serotonin imbalance in the body that is often considered the root of the condition in some individuals.
Unfortunately, these drugs don’t come free of side effects. In worse cases, people have found absolutely no relief from fibromyalgia even after regularly using these medications.
Although CBD, a non-psychoactive compound found in the hemp plant is not exactly a substitute for traditional drugs for treating Fibromyalgia, it has been associated with helping people find relief from pain as well as mend sleeping disorders.
In this article, we will try our best to help you learn more about CBD and how you can use it to treat Fibromyalgia.
You’ll Learn The Following:
- The scientific research that supports CBD usage for pain, sleep, and Fibromyalgia relief.
- Why is CBD still not approved as a pharmaceutical drug for treating Fibromyalgia?
- What are the effects of CBD when used orally and externally?
- Will CBD give you a ‘high’ like feeling and addiction?
- What is the major difference between Medical Marijuana and CBD oil?
- What is the ideal dosage of CBD to take?
- How to find the best and most reliable CBD products under reasonable prices?
- Should you use CBD oil externally or orally? What is the best method for Fibromyalgia relief?
Let’s look at what research studies say about CBD oil and Fibromyalgia.
Table of Contents
Is CBD Oil Worth Trying for Fibromyalgia Relief?
Before we delve deeper into CBD oil and Fibromyalgia relationship, you must be aware that CBD oil has still not been officially approved by the FDA to treat this condition. However, this does not mean that there isn’t any research backing the therapeutic properties of CBD for Fibromyalgia sufferers.
Let’s try and look at the various research that reviews how CBD deals with pain and sleep, the two most prominent symptoms that make a life mess for people who are suffering from FM. After that, we’ll also have a look at what researchers currently know about Fibromyalgia and CBD in particular.
Research Studies on CBD Relation to Pain Relief
The most common studied areas of CBD research is actually about how it acts on the body’s endocannabinoid system to help reduce pain in the body. The studies look at both the nociceptive and neuropathic, and inflammation pain causing symptoms.
If you look at these studies closely, the positive scientific research behind the CBD oil and pain relief is abundant. We will try our best to provide you the complete science behind how cannabinoids can help in pain management, so keep on reading.
Research Studies on CBD Relation to Sleep
Pain isn’t the only problem people suffering from FM have to deal with. In fact, most people who suffer from the condition are found to commonly also having problems with the quality of sleep. According to research, CBD helps some people achieve a better sleep as well as give their bodies the ability to manage pain better.
For example, let’s look at Sativex, a popular cannabis drug that has a ratio of 1:1 THC: CBD. The drug has previously shown to improve the sleep in many people who were prescribed with this drug for dealing with Fibromyalgia. There are also some limited studies that have effectively demonstrated that some qualities of CBD oil are more specifically better to help with sleep in people suffering from PTSD.
On the contrary, CBD has also been shown to be a wake-inducing agent in some individuals. But this isn’t still fully clear and more research between the relation of CBD on sleep is needed.
Reports from several people who have used CBD suggest that there is a lot of difference when it comes to CBD’s effect on sleep. Some people have revealed that CBD helps them with sleeping better, while others claim that it has the complete opposite effect.
Research Studies on CBD Relation to Fibromyalgia
Although there is plenty of research studies on the effects of CBD on sleep and pain, the research that specifically speaks of CBD and Fibromyalgia relation is still very much underdeveloped and needs more work.
But let’s see what researchers have been able to dig out so far.
The most prominent research study that provides evidence of the potential cannabis has as an effective treatment for pain in people suffering from Fibromyalgia is a 2014 survey that was conducted by the National Pain Foundation (NPF).
The study was conducted on 1,300 people suffering from Fibromyalgia. The survey was named ‘Medical marijuana is far more effective at treating symptoms of fibromyalgia than any of the three prescription drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat the disorder.’
The respondents of the survey noted that many prescription drugs for Fibromyalgia that were approved by the FDA, such as Lyrica, Cymbalta, Savella, and more came with many negative side effects.
Another research study to look out for is a 2018 survey of Israeli Fibro sufferers.
At least 383 participants took the fibro survey and here are the reports collected –
- At least 98% of participants reported pain relief
- At least 93% of participants reported improvement in sleep quality
- At least 63% of participants reported an improvement in anxiety
- A few of the participants also reported adverse side effects
Although these surveys are a great way to show the positive effects of CBD on pain and sleep, they do not carry with them the weight of actual clinical trials. Even with the absence of such clinical trials, people are still willing to give CBD a shot because they are aware of the many health benefits of the cannabidiol with very little side effects.
Moreover, there are some very important differences between CBD oil and medical marijuana that you must be aware of. For example, medical marijuana has plenty of THC in it. It is a cannabinoid that is known to have at least some positive role in reducing pain but is also responsible for giving the patients a ‘high’ like feeling with some psychoactive effects. Not to mention, THC is also addictive.
CBD Oil, on the other hand’, has only traces of THC which is typically around 0.003% or less. But the content of THC is different in normal CBD oil and full spectrum CBD oil. The latter usually have small amounts of THC but not enough to cause a ‘high’ like feeling or psychoactive effects. However, there is next to none research available to prove the use of pure CBD found in the hemp plant and FM specifically.
Pharmaceutical Research and Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD)
Although there is very little research available on this matter, there is still some solid evidence available that proves the endocannabinoid system in our body may be directly related to Fibromyalgia along with other common conditions including irritable bowel syndrome and migraines.
The most prominent and first of its kind study over the subject was conducted in 2008 by GW Pharmaceuticals, a well-known company developing pharmaceuticals derived from medical marijuana. Their drugs include Epidolex and Sativex. Their survey showed that common clinical and biochemical patterns of the Fibromyalgia and CECD. Further research studies made on the topic has continued to support this evidence.
What Is Sativex
The Sativex is a pharmaceutical and prescribed treatment in the form of oral spray for Fibromyalgia. It is derived from marijuana having a 1:1 ratio of THC: CBD. The spray has been approved in at least 21 countries around the world for treating muscle spasticity, especially in people with Multiple Sclerosis condition.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the major cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. It is the cannabinoid that is associated with a ‘high’ like feeling that regular users of marijuana experience. However, some of the healing properties of drugs, and other products that are derived from cannabis are somewhat related to this compound.
Due to strict regulations placed on THC in the U.S, the spray is not approved by the FDA. This is a sad state of affairs since it is a proven pharmaceutical to help people with a troublesome condition like Fibromyalgia. Since it is not approved, it is also forbidden from being sold.
What Is Epidiolex
The DEA may soon approve the rescheduling of CBD, which is one of the many cannabinoids of the hemp plant. And the FDA has approved Epidiolex but is waiting for the DEA’s approval. This is a pharmaceutical drug which is made from medical marijuana but does not contain THC. It has also demonstrated in various clinical trials to show a reduction in seizures that are common in two rare forms of childhood epilepsy. These seizures were previously controlled using other treatments.
How Do These Affect the Status of CBD and Fibromyalgia?
From the available research, and studies mentioned above, there are two major takeaways, especially from the cases of GW Pharmaceuticals, FDA, and the DEA.
The first major takeaway is that the research and clinical studies required to develop any pharmaceutical drug is so expensive that it is unlikely any pharmaceutical company will go as far as GW pharmaceuticals went. GW Pharma is so big and is considered a global leader, hence they were able to afford to produce scientific research backing the support and use of drugs made from cannabis in the treatment of some specific conditions.
And not to mention, such research studies can take years to complete. Since there are already so many restrictions placed on the research studies themselves, it is really hard for companies to even get approval from concerned authorities to conduct a necessary research study.
Secondly, the research progress of drugs derived from cannabis will remain hampered by the many regulatory bodies of the U.S which are hell-bent on associating cannabis with criminality and fear. This situation is so bad that they have even withheld access to many important medications that are clinically proven to help in relieving some serious conditions.
And if you thought that was all, think again. Many doctors in the U.S have actually been bribed to prescribe opioids despite enough evidence pointing towards serious risks that come from using opioids. Currently, America is in an addiction crisis from opioids that continue to kill as many as tens of thousands of people annually. The substance has literally destroyed the lives of millions.
Keeping these in mind, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that many people having fibromyalgia are turning to the legal and natural alternative of CBD oil in order to help them with their symptoms of pain and sleep disorders. Moreover, they are also tired of the many highly addictive pain killers and their known dangerous side effects on their bodies.
Treatment of Fibromyalgia Through Use of Medical Marijuana
If you’re lucky enough to live in a state where the use of medical marijuana to treat certain conditions has been legalized, and you happen to have Fibromyalgia, then you may be glad to know that it is one of the conditions that many doctors will approve for the use of cannabis to treat it.
However, you must be aware that getting the approval for use of medical marijuana, in any given state, legal or illegal, is time-consuming and expensive. It is made even worse by the fact that many health insurance companies do not cover the treatment from medical marijuana. They won’t even reimburse the doctor fee if you were prescribed marijuana!
This is why many choose CBD oil instead. CBD is derived from industrial hemp, a plant that has been made federally legal by the concerned authorities in 2014 through the Farm Bill. The plant and all the products made from it are still required to have less than .3% of THC content in them. All of the products that are listed as CBD oil anywhere on the internet have to follow this rule.
In simple words, this means that CBD oil is currently legal in all of the 50 states and does not require a doctor’s approval or prescription. And on top of that, it won’t even get you high or addicted.
But you need to keep in mind that CBD oil, as much as it is being praised for its health benefits, is not a miracle cure by any means.
In fact, many people who suffer from Fibromyalgia have found relief from CBD oil products, however, just word of mouth, no matter how positive it is, can not outmatch clinical trials and their evidence.
You should also be aware that CBD has not been officially approved for medical use by the FDA, and hence you should never use it as a substitute for medical treatment of certain conditions. However, should you decide to try CBD anyway, we highly recommend talking about it with your doctor. This is important because it can have potential interference with other prescription drugs you may be taking.
Is CBD Oil Safe for Use?
In short, yes! CBD has been tried, tested, and studied on humans and animals and it has shown to have very little toxicity levels.
In fact, CBD is known to be safer than most pain treatment drugs and other products including medications such as NSAIDS. The over-the-counter drug is known to pose serious negative health threats if used regularly including problems of the gastrointestinal health, and cardiovascular health problems.
Moreover, CBD is not addictive at all. This is a good thing given how other addictive drugs such as opioids are causing a crisis in America. It may even surprise you that CBD oil is actually an effective treatment for people recovering from opioid addiction.
What Are the Effects of CBD on Fibromyalgia?
We cannot emphasize enough that CBD oil has varied effects from one individual to another. While some people have reported excellent response and considerable relief from pain, others have had very little luck.
Moreover, some people have reported that they had to increase their dosage of CBD oil to see noticeable effects or maintain the ongoing effects, while others have been lucky enough to find a dosage that provides perfect balance and works great for long term relief.
Meanwhile, some people report seeing an immediate effect from using CBD oil, while others have reported effects after regularly using it for a week or more.
What’s the Ideal Dosage of CBD Oil for Fibromyalgia?
How much CBD oil you must take depends on a variety of factors including the method of consumption, the symptoms they are seeking relief from, the size of the person, and the experience of using CBD oil. All of these have a significant impact on the ideal dosage of CBD. You must try and find the perfect dosage yourself.
It is impossible for us to give you a specific dosage because we are not qualified, medical professionals. However, we do know that adjusting the dosage can have varied effects. It is also a good idea to consult a doctor if he or she approves the use of it.
What we highly recommend is to follow the recommended dosage on the bottle of the CBD oil itself. You could also visit online forums and talk to people who have had experience using CBD oil for Fibromyalgia.
Moreover, do not take CBD oil is you are already on some kind of prescribed medication. Make sure to consult your doctor to avoid any drug interactions. Women who are pregnant or nursing should also avoid the use of CBD until more research is available and it is deemed safe to use in certain conditions.
Difference Between Isolate CBD Oil and Full Spectrum CBD Oil for Fibromyalgia
If you’ve already decided to try CBD oil for Fibromyalgia, you may be confused about which kind of oil to try. CBD oil is popularly available in Isolate and Full Spectrum forms. So what’s the big difference anyway?
CBD Oil isolate is hemp oil that has been processed to make sure all additional cannabinoids and other substances found in the hemp plant are left behind and only pure CBD is acquired. This is also the version of the oil in which the least amount of THC is available.
The full spectrum CBD oil, on the other hand, contains a full range of cannabinoids from the hemp plant. Although CBD is always in the largest quantity in full spectrum products, there are traces of other cannabinoids including the infamous THC. But the amount of THC in full spectrum CBD oil is not enough to cause a high.
If you’re wondering why companies sell full spectrum range of CBD oil when pure CBD is already present in isolate variations, then you must understand that there is some evidence that shows cannabinoids can have an ‘entorage’ like effect. In simple words, when combined together, they work in harmony to enhance the healing properties of other compounds when they get in touch with the natural endocannabinoid system of the body.
While it is still not clear, there is likely something good about the entourage effect. But be warned, use the full spectrum CBD oil only if you are not worried about trace amounts of THC showing up in drug test for work, or you have any history of THC intolerance.
Why Should You Only Buy CBD Hemp Oil for Fibromyalgia from a Reputable Source?
Due to the large demand for CBD oil and its health benefits, many companies are selling CBD oil. But some of them are taking unfair advantage of the trend by selling mediocre products and scamming people at the same time.
For example, there are many products on the internet that are advertised as CBD oil but may not contain CBD at all. A research study conducted in 2017 proved that out of 84 random CBD product tests, only 31% were accurately labeled and their claims were actually true. The rest did not have enough CBD oil in them to produce any beneficial results.
Now, this is something we can help you out. This site and post is dedicated to making sure that you get your hands on only the best CBD oil available today. We strive and work hard to try and test all CBD products from various companies and find out whether they are legitimate or fake. All the products we recommend have shown extremely high indicators of quality backed by extensive research.
We provide both negative and positive reviews of CBD oil products on the site because we believe every company must be judged in order to help you avoid scams. When we review a CBD product, we take into account several important quality indicators. These include:
- Third party testing available from the company’s website
- non-GMO and organic hemp
- Created, sourced, and manufactured locally
- Best natural supplemental ingredients added for boosted effects of the product
Where to Find the Best CBD Oil for Fibromyalgia
Below we have listed down the top three CBD oil products for people suffering from Fibromyalgia. Each of these products varies in delivery method but have excellent quality regardless of their methods. We will look into the benefits of each method while covering these products.
CBDPure – Our Top CBD Oil Pick for Fibromyalgia
Keeping in mind all the research mentioned in the above sections, if you are looking for the best CBD oil for Fibromyalgia, then you should opt for a full spectrum product from a trusted company. CBDPure is our top pick for many reasons. This product is supposed to be taken orally or with food.
Since hemp oil is typically sold in tincture form, it usually comes with a dropper to help you with the dosage. There are two ways to take this product, you could either add recommended drops of the oil to your food or place the drops directly under your tongue. Drops on the tongue absorb directly into your body through the mucous membranes present in your mouth.
Typically, putting drops on your tongue tends to be the fastest method to gain benefits. For people suffering from fibromyalgia, this is the fastest way to get relief from pain.
CBDPure Capsule Form
If adding oil to your food or tongue doesn’t appeal you, you can also acquire CBD in capsule form. This actually gives you precise dosing with the added convenience of just popping the pill in your mouth rather than messing around with a dropper and oil. CBDPure is an excellent product because it is made by a company that offers both isolate and full spectrum form of CBD oil in a soft gel pill form, something that you rarely find these days.
Capsules are suitable for people who are comfortable taking pills in a medical routine. Just take one capsule during the morning/afternoon. It can take about 30 minutes for the effects to come when you take the pills, but some people report that these effects also last longer than taking the oil directly.
Cannabidiol Life – The Best CBD Topical Treatment for Fibromyalgia
If you regularly suffer from various muscle aches and pain, then a CBD topical ointment is the best solution because it brings about a boost of pain relief directly on the affected area. If you’re seeking instant results, especially if you suffer from Fibromyalgia, we highly recommend the topical form.
Cannabidiol Life is a company based in Colorado. They have gained a large following thanks to some of the most quality-eccentric CBD products out there. They have a large variety of full spectrum CBD oils but may be expensive to some people. Although they do have many kinds of CBD oils on sale, their best product is without any doubt the Deep Soothing Balm.
The Deep Soothing Balm contains not only 275mg of full spectrum oil, but also contain a host of other potent all-natural ingredients meant to provide additional benefits and boost the effects of CBD oil.
These ingredients include organic clove essential oil, organic comfrey root, and peppermint that provides natural soothing effects. Some other ingredients like shea butter, organic cocoa butter, and MCT oil gives you moisturizing benefits. Finally, the balm also has essential oils acquired from eucalyptus, clove, and lavender to give the balm a very welcoming scent that is not overpowering or have any harmful chemical additions.
The Deep Soothing Balm is contained in a 1-ounce jar which may sound a little underwhelming, but given how effective it is, you will only need to use a tiny amount every time. The balm also has a non-greasy formula and feels silky.
Final Thoughts – Is CBD Oil Actually Good for Fibromyalgia?
Before we conclude on whether CBD oil is good for fibromyalgia or not, it is important to remind you that the FDA does not approve the use of CBD oil for this medical condition. And as such, you should not consider CBD oil as a replacement for medical treatment.
Keeping that in mind, there is still a lot of evidence available that supports CBD oil for pain management. Clinical trials are very limited but support from millions who speak in favor of the oil has proven that it is indeed good for Fibromyalgia.
If you have decided to give CBD oil a try, make sure that you are only buying a quality product from a reputable company. We have already given you our top recommendations above, but make sure you do your own research before buying. Join forums on the internet, talk to other people, and find out what works best.
And if you are someone who has found relief from fibromyalgia after using a certain CBD oil product, make sure to let other people know in the comment section below!