Medicinal Cannabis for Fibromyalgia

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Tim W

6 min

Fibromyalgia is a health condition that is much more common than you think, affecting two to five of every hundred Australians daily (Health Direct).

It is characterised by chronic pain, fatigue and other associated symptoms that can make it difficult to manage day-to-day activities. Despite its prevalence, there is still a lot of misunderstanding surrounding fibromyalgia – including its causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.

In this article, we’ll explore the causes and symptoms of fibromyalgia and potential treatment options for the disease. In particular, the possibility of using medicinal cannabis to manage symptoms in fibromyalgia patients.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain and fatigue. It is thought to be caused by changes in the way the brain processes pain signals. These changes can result in increased sensitivity to pain and heightened pain response.

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it is thought to be associated with a number of factors, including genetic predisposition, physical or emotional trauma, infection, and stress. The effects of fibromyalgia may be felt all over the body, and symptoms can vary greatly from person to person.

However, most patients with fibromyalgia feel symptoms in the form of widespread chronic pain and fatigue. The pain is often described as a deep ache that is felt all over the body, and can be aggravated by changes in weather, humidity, or barometric pressure. Fatigue is often described as an all-encompassing feeling of exhaustion, and can make even simple tasks seem impossible.

What are the Common Causes of Fibromyalgia?

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

There appears to be a link between fibromyalgia and changes in the way the brain processes pain signals. It is also associated with abnormalities in certain brain chemicals that are involved in pain perception.

Some people with fibromyalgia may have a history of physical or emotional trauma. This includes things like car accidents, abuse, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Infections, such as Lyme disease, can also trigger fibromyalgia.

These factors may cause fibromyalgia due to the way they affect the nervous system. For example, physical or emotional trauma can cause the release of stress hormones that can trigger pain receptors. Infections can also cause inflammation that can lead to pain.

Due to the lack of concrete causes, fibromyalgia can be a difficult condition to diagnose. Instead, diagnosis is typically based on a combination of factors, including, medical history and symptoms.

What are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

The most common symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread pain that is often described as a deep ache or throbbing sensation. This pain may be constant or may come and go. It is often worse with activity and improves with rest.

Pain levels may also differ from person to person, and can range from mild to severe. For some people, the pain is so debilitating that it interferes with their ability to perform everyday tasks.

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but there are treatments that can help lessen the symptoms. These include medications, exercise, and relaxation techniques. Some people find that making lifestyle changes, such as getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet, also helps.

Other common symptoms include fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory and concentration problems, headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome. Some people also experience pain in their joints and muscles, numbness and tingling sensations, or a pins-and-needles feeling.

Fibromyalgia can be a very debilitating condition, making it difficult for sufferers to carry out their everyday activities. The condition can also have a major impact on mental health, causing symptoms such as anxiety and depression.

What are Treatments for Fibromyalgia?

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for fibromyalgia, and what works for one person may not work for another. Treatment for fibromyalgia focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life.

Common fibromyalgia treatments include:

Medication: Some medications that are used to treat fibromyalgia are pain relievers, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs. Medicinal cannabis is an emerging candidate for managing the pain symptoms that may come with fibromyalgia
Exercise: Exercises such as aerobic exercises, stretching, and strength training may help improve fine motor skills and symptoms of fibromyalgia
Behavioral therapies: therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can help people with fibromyalgia learn how to cope with their symptoms
Alternative therapies: Some people with fibromyalgia find relief from alternative therapies such as massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic care

Exercise is an important part of treatment, as it can help to improve sleep quality, reduce pain, and increase muscle strength and endurance. However, it is important to start slowly and gradually build up the intensity and duration of exercise sessions. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, tai chi, or meditation can also help to reduce stress and improve sleep quality.

Medicinal Cannabis and Fibromyalgia

Medicinal cannabis is a term used to describe the whole, unprocessed marijuana plant or chemicals from it. These can be used for medical purposes. The cannabis plant contains more than 100 different chemical compounds, called cannabinoids. Each one has a different effect on the body.

The two best-studied cannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the cannabinoid that makes people feel “high” or “stoned”. CBD does not make people feel high but has been shown to have medicinal properties. Both may be used for medicinal purposes and can be taken in many forms.

For example, medicinal cannabis can be used as:

Oils and tinctures: These are liquids that contain THC or CBD and can be taken by mouth using a dropper. They can also be added to food or drinks
Edibles: These are foods that contain THC or CBD, such as cookies, brownies, candies, or gummies. Edibles can take up to four hours to take effect and the effects can last for several hours
Capsules: These are similar to pills and can be taken by mouth. They contain THC or CBD as well as other ingredients

A small number of research studies have suggested that medicinal cannabis may help to relieve some symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as pain, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. In particular, a review published in the Journal of Cannabis Research suggested that medicinal cannabis may be a safe and effective treatment for fibromyalgia pain, although larger clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.

A study published in Cureus even suggested that medicinal cannabis has great potential and may be “the new hope” for managing fibromyalgia and chronic pain. The study also cited that the ratio of THC and CBD plays an important role in the effectiveness and outcome of treatment, meaning further research is required to confirm optimal ratios. needs further research. Additional studies on dose-response relationship and dependence will also need to be done.

FAQs - Medicinal Cannabinoids for Fibromyalgia

Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions concerning legal medicinal cannabis products and how they may help with the management of fibromyalgia symptoms.

How is medicinal cannabis used in Australia?

In Australia, medicinal cannabis is only legal for patients with a valid prescription from a specialised doctor.

The Australian Government’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates the use of medicinal cannabis in Australia, and most medicinal cannabis products must be authorised for use by the TGA before it can be prescribed.

There are two types of medicinal cannabis products that can be legally prescribed in Australia:

Medicinal cannabis products that have been manufactured overseas to prescription standards and imported into Australia (also known as ‘special access scheme’ or ‘SAS products’). These products have not been evaluated by the TGA for quality, safety, or efficacy but may be used if traditional treatments have failed and the patient’s doctor has applied to the TGA for approval
Medicinal cannabis products that have been manufactured in Australia to prescription standards (also known as “clinical trial products”). These products have undergone some evaluation by the TGA for quality, safety, and efficacy but are only available through clinical trials approved by the TGA

The prescribing doctor must be registered with the TGA’s Special Access Scheme (SAS) before they can prescribe medicinal cannabis.

How can someone access medicinal cannabis products in Australia?

To access the appropriate medicinal cannabis product in Australia, an individual will need to get a prescription from a doctor. Prescribing medicinal cannabis requires approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration, before a patient can purchase the correct dosage and type of medicinal cannabis.

How serious is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia affects each person differently and as such, the seriousness of the disease varies. For some people, fibromyalgia is mild and causes only occasional discomfort. For others, it can be more severe and have a significant impact on their quality of life.