Can CBD Oil Help With Fibromyalgia? Exploring The Potential Benefits And Risks

Chronic pain conditions can wreak havoc not only on the body, but also cause or contribute to a range of associated mental health issues and affect quality of life more broadly.

Fibromyalgia is a complex and challenging chronic pain condition that affects millions of people around the world, mostly women. But, despite its prevalence, fibromyalgia treatment options remain limited. This has led many sufferers to turn to CBD products as potential fibromyalgia treatment options.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at fibromyalgia treatment with CBD oil, as well as possible risk factors to be aware of.

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, often accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory issues and mood fluctuations.

The causes of fibromyalgia remain elusive, but some research suggests it may involve abnormalities in how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals. Additionally, factors such as genetics, infections and physical or emotional trauma may contribute to its onset.

How CBD May Help With Fibromyalgia

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound derived from the cannabis plant renowned for its potential therapeutic properties. The endocannabinoid system (ECS), present in all mammals, plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological functions, including pain perception, mood and sleep. CBD interacts with the ECS by influencing its receptors, potentially modulating pain and inflammation.

Studies suggest that CBD’s analgesic (pain relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties may be fibromyalgia treatment options. By targeting pain receptors and reducing inflammation, CBD oil may alleviate the debilitating symptoms associated with the condition, providing much-needed respite to sufferers.

Scientific Research On CBD Oil For Fibromyalgia

A large online study reported in the scientific journal Pain in 2021 involved a survey of fibromyalgia patients who used CBD. It revealed that a majority reported significant improvements in pain, sleep quality and overall wellbeing. Additionally, CBD was found to be well-tolerated with minimal adverse effects.

While the findings suggest CBD’s potential for fibromyalgia management, further research is needed.

Using CBD For Fibromyalgia: Tips And Considerations

If considering CBD oil for fibromyalgia, there are a few tips to maximise its potential benefits and a few risks to be aware of.

Choose A Quality CBD Brand

Not all CBD oils are created equal, so what to look for when choosing CBD oil? When choosing which CBD to buy, only buy from a reputable brand that uses premium CBD and which publishes independent third-party testing for CBD potency and purity on its website.

At Down To Earth we’re proud to use only the highest quality CBD produced from cannabis plants grown in the USA. And, because we believe in transparency, our independent, third-party lab reports are available on our website.

We’re proud of our products, which is why we have almost 5,000 independently verified customer reviews, with a whopping product rating of 4.79 out of 5!

Start Low, Go Slow

Begin with a low dosage of CBD oil and gradually increase as needed. This allows you to gauge its effects on your symptoms and minimise the risk of any adverse reactions.

Oils, Edibles Or Topicals?

CBD oil comes in various forms such as oils, edibles like gummies, honey and chocolate, and topical creams like balms. There are many ways to incorporate CBD into your life, so experiment with different delivery methods to find what works best for you.

Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum Or CBD Isolate?

So which is the best CBD oil for fibromyalgia pain relief? Well, that depends on you and your individual needs.

At Down To Earth, we stock a large range of CBD products, including full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate.

Full-spectrum CBD contains all the naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which causes the psychoactive or “high” effects commonly associated with marijuana consumption. However, the THC present is in trace amounts, meaning you can’t get “high”.

Full-spectrum CBD provides what is known as the entourage effect, where various compounds found in the cannabis plant, such as cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes, work synergistically to enhance the therapeutic benefits of the CBD.

Broad-spectrum CBD, on the other hand, undergoes additional processing to remove THC while retaining the cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes, meaning you can still get the benefits of the entourage effect without any presence of THC. This is a popular option for people who may undergo drug testing as part of their employment and can’t have any THC present in their system, or for those who operate machinery.

CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD – it’s just pure CBD.

The best CBD oil for fibromyalgia pain relief is ultimately up to you, your lifestyle and what works best for your needs.

Potential Side Effects Of CBD Oil For Fibromyalgia

While CBD is generally safe, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects, especially when using it for chronic conditions like fibromyalgia. Common side effects may include:

• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Nausea

These side effects are typically mild and transient, but it’s essential to monitor for any adverse reactions and adjust dosage accordingly.

Seek Medical Advice Before Using CBD For Fibromyalgia

While fibromyalgia treatment with CBD oil shows a lot of promise, it’s essential that you consult with your doctor before using CBD, especially if you have any other medical conditions or are on any medications.

Now you know what to look for when choosing CBD oil for fibromyalgia, but if you still have questions about the best CBD oil Australia has to offer get in touch with one of our friendly Down To Earth team!