What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is, briefly, a chronic musculoskeletal condition. Also known as muscular or soft-tissue rheumatism, it is a serious condition that directly affects quality of life. It disrupts sleep and causes cognitive difficulties, affecting approximately 3% of the population.

The most prominent symptoms are widespread, intense muscle pain in the back, neck, chest, shoulders and hips. Some patients also experience swelling alongside severe pain in different areas. Increasing areas of tenderness, general fatigue and sleep disturbances are other common signs.

Because fibromyalgia symptoms and complaints are not objective, they cannot be measured with a test. Patients' symptoms are not identical and differ from person to person. With no clearly known cause, fibromyalgia is often confused with other degenerative joint diseases.

Long-term research indicates it is not progressive. Unlike arthritis, or joint inflammation, it is not expected to permanently damage bones or joints.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia typically presents as tenderness and pain at particular points of the body. Pain is generally throbbing or stabbing. Besides the neck and lower back, it may occur in the shoulders, elbows, knees, hands and even the jaw joint. For some patients it is constant; for others it comes in intervals and recurring flares.

Although pain is the primary symptom, patients may also experience fatigue, trouble falling asleep, waking unrefreshed and difficulty getting out of bed.

Other symptoms include:

  • Psychological conditions such as depressed mood, worry, anxiety and panic attacks
  • Cognitive difficulties such as poor concentration, distraction and feeling dazed
  • Sensitivity to light, sound and smell
  • Digestive complaints
  • Frequent urination and pain when urinating
  • Ringing in the ears and difficulty breathing
  • Experiencing pain more intensely than usual
  • Redness in the hands and feet
  • A tendency toward flushing in the upper body

Who gets fibromyalgia, and why?

Fibromyalgia generally occurs between ages 30 and 60, and 90% of patients are women. It can very rarely occur in children. Because it is not widely known, many patients continue their lives unaware of it. According to recent research, fibromyalgia affects about 3% of Türkiye's population, with genetic factors emerging as its main cause. Although a genetic predisposition has not been fully proven, rates are high among first-degree relatives. People with a family history are eight times more likely to develop it.

Interestingly, affected individuals generally have sensitive, meticulous personalities. Psychological problems, emotional or physical trauma and stress in childhood or early life may trigger the disease. Research also indicates that prevalence rises with education and income levels.

Our nerves send outside information to the brain through nerve pathways in the spinal cord, and the brain decides what to do with it. Recent research suggests fibromyalgia amplifies pain by affecting how the brain and spinal cord process painful and non-painful signals. This over-stimulation means even simple pain signals may be perceived as severe pain.

Fibromyalgia treatment and CBD oil

At present, we find no published study directly investigating CBD's effects on fibromyalgia patients. However, there is research on whole cannabis and fibromyalgia. We should also remember that CBD has been studied and used for many years to reduce chronic pain and inflammation.

A 2009 study suggested CBD could relieve neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain consists of complex syndromes resulting from damage or disease anywhere in the nervous system and is not easily relieved by painkillers. Researchers concluded that CBD and similar cannabinoids might be useful adjuncts to other pain medicines.

A 2011 study involving 56 fibromyalgia patients investigated medical cannabis's effects. Patients were divided into two groups; those using medical cannabis experienced less pain and muscle stiffness and showed higher mental health scores.

A 2019 Dutch study of 20 women with fibromyalgia administered four kinds of medical cannabis. Eighteen participants using cannabis high in both CBD and THC experienced a 30% reduction in spontaneous pain. Patients using high-THC medical cannabis showed significantly improved pressure-pain thresholds.

In Israel in 2019, hundreds of fibromyalgia patients were observed for six months. Fourteen medical cannabis varieties were tried in a group that was 82% female. The study was not fully controlled, and approximately 70% of participants could be followed. Initially, 193 people, slightly over 50%, described their pain as severe. After six months of treatment and follow-up, only 19 reported severe pain. Researchers concluded that medical cannabis was a safe and effective treatment for fibromyalgia patients.

In conclusion…

Scientists and doctors are still investigating whether CBD can effectively treat chronic pain disorders. As with any subject, more and more advanced research is needed. CBD may not be a cannabinoid used directly to treat fibromyalgia, but we cannot disregard its effects on pain and inflammation. CBD and other cannabinoids may also offer relief for patients tired of addictive opioid medicines with numerous adverse effects.

If you want to add CBD to your fibromyalgia treatment for pain management, consulting your doctor first would help avoid adverse effects.

We wish you good health.