What Is Fibromyalgia Syndrome?

FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME

There are an increasing number of anecdotal reports all suggesting that CBD oil can help those suffering from fibromyalgia manage their pain. In the first of a two-part blog, we take a look at what fibromyalgia is, and some facts fibromyalgia sufferers should know before trying CBD out for themselves. Today we look at the disease itself. So what exactly is Fibromyalgia Syndrome?

 

FIBROMYALGIA: A HUGE BLOW TO QUALITY OF LIFE

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome: a set of symptoms that when consistently present at the same time suggest the presence or susceptibility to a certain disease. In the case of Fibromyalgia, these are extreme fatigue, body-wide pain, anxiety or depression, and a decreased pain threshold/presence of tender points.

GENERAL FACTS

They come together into a highly debilitating disease that makes day to day living nearly impossible. Unfortunetaly the disease is the second most common musculoskeletal condition diagnosed here in the EU behind osteoarthritis.

In addition to the symptoms outlined above, those suffering this ailment can also encounter disrupted thought and concentration (known as “fibro fog”), regular headaches, IBS, mood issues, and increased joint stiffness.

WHAT CAUSES FIBROMYALGIA

Unfortunately, the causes of Fibromyalgia are unknown – making it hard to treat. It is also the case that women are ten times more likely to develop the disease than men – with the majority of sufferers being women aged 25-60.

Although the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, certain patterns have emerged. For example, it has been found that genetics may play a factor as the disease seems to run in families. It has also been found that certain illnesses can aggravate an onset of fibromyalgia, as well as it being linked to PTSD.

As the exact cause is unknown, most treatments involve a combination of medicine and alternative therapy, such as massage and strengthening exercise. All treatments for fibromyalgia focus on treating the symptoms, and as there are many and varied symptoms, treatment plans tend to differ person to person.

CBD AND FIBROMYALGIA

An alternative treatment that has recently grown in popularity thanks to anecdotal reports is the use of CBD and CBD oils. CBD is one of the non-psychoactive cannabinoids found within both cannabis and hemp, and is actively being investigated by scientific bodies for its medicinal applications (largely due to growing anecdotal evidence). However, there is very little research concerning CBD and its actual effect on fibromyalgia, and as such CBD is not considered a medicine.

The anecdotal evidence available all claims that CBD reduces perceived pain, and can help with symptoms like IBS.

For those suffering from fibromyalgia, who endure pain all day every day, anecdotal evidence is often enough to want to try CBD out. Fortunately, CBD is legal here in the EU, and currently considered safe. However, it cannot be stressed enough that CBD is not classified as a medicine, and is only used as a health supplement.

For fibromyalgia sufferers considering using CBD, we will be putting together a list of 5 facts you should know about it that will be published on our blog next week.