Pain due to a variety of diseases including Fibromyalgiaassociated with significant, widespread pain can be effectively reduced through the use of cannabidiol (CBD). However, research on CBD and its effects on this condition has been limited so far.
A recent survey looked at patterns of CBD use among fibromyalgia patients to better understand how often CBD is used, why it is used, and how patients with fibromyalgia rate the effectiveness and safety of CBD for relieving their symptoms.[1]
Approximately 2,700 fibromyalgia patients who used CBD were surveyed. Of those surveyed, around 30% have used CBD in the past and a third said they are currently using CBD. 38% of respondents said they had never used CBD and cited safety concerns. The patients currently using CBD, or those who have used it in the past, stated that they consumed the cannabinoid to obtain relief from their pain after inadequate relief from conventional drugs.
Patients who used CBD did so for several symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, including joint stiffness and muscle cramps, as well as poor sleep and anxiety.[1] Those who used CBD typically reported an improvement in symptoms ranging from mild to strong improvement as follows: 30.5% for pain, 40.1% for insomnia / sleep disorders, 40.0% for anxiety, 20% for fatigue, 32.3% for depression and 21.9% for memory / clarity of thinking. Minor side effects have been reported, with drowsiness being the most common.
It is interesting to note that 95% of the respondents were female. Therefore, it is not known whether male patients use CBD at similar rates. In addition, despite high usage rates, less than 30% said they would discuss CBD with their doctor.
Respondents’ responses suggest that CBD use is common in fibromyalgia sufferers and that the cannabinoid is relatively effective in relieving pain and associated anxiety and lack of sleep. Patients and their doctors should discuss the use of CBD and its inclusion in a fibromyalgia treatment plan.
Credit: Wolfgang Claussen
Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/figure-man-stand-back-pain-1707104/
reference
- Boehnke KF et al. Cannabidiol Use in Fibromyalgia: Prevalence of Use and Perceptions of Efficacy in a Large Online Survey. The diary of pain. 2021: S1526-5900 (20) 30117-6.