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How and Why to Use CBD for Fibromyalgia Pain

How and Why to Use CBD for Fibromyalgia Pain

Fibromyalgia affects approximately 3-6% of the U.S. and the world population and women are mostly affected, accounting for 75-90% of those afflicted. Fortunately, research continues to identify how and why to use CBD for fibromyalgia pain.

There is growing support for the use of CBD for chronic pain management. While fibromyalgia pain affects many body locations, the pain processing occurs in the brain. Inflammation in the brain results in abnormal pain processing, resulting in amplification of pain sensations.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Most researchers agree that fibromyalgia is a disorder primarily affecting the central nervous system and involves nerve and hormone transmitter dysregulation. This results in an amplification of pain due to the abnormal pain processing in the brain and spinal cord.

While there are no diagnostic tests to identify fibromyalgia, health care providers agree that the pain is caused by inflammation. Inflammation then causes pain, sleep disorders, fatigue and a host of neurological symptoms typically associated with fibromyalgia.

The only medical treatment has been to prescribe medications aimed at quelling pain and disrupting the pain pathways. However, researchers have recently found a better way to address chronic pain in conditions such as fibromyalgia; treat the brain!

How CBD Can Help Treat the Pain from Fibromyalgia

Scientists have discovered that the brain produces signaling compounds known as endocannabinoids, which bind to cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoid receptors are actually located throughout the body and promote proper physiological function of the muscular system, immune system, nervous system and more. Because they also help regulate nerve transmitters and hormones, they affect memory, mood, sensations of pain and appetite. Unfortunately with age, the production of our naturally occurring endocannabinoids progressively decreases.

The Link Between CBD and Controlling Pain

Cannabinoids, either from within the body or from external sources, activate these receptors and produce physiological changes. Similar to our endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids from plants, like CBD and THC from the cannabis or hemp plants, bind to cannabinoid brain receptors, influencing their behavior, helping control immune responses, sleep, energy production, pain and inflammation. So, it is likely that we can exert a certain amount of control on nerve and hormone systems by using phytocannabinoids, such as CBD.

CBD and Reducing Inflammation

Cannabinoids appear to affect a specialized immune system cell (microglia) found in the brain and central nervous system. These microglial cells normally help to clear out malfunctioning nerve cells or bacteria. However, if they go unregulated, an increase in inflammation in the brain can cause damage to healthy brain tissue. Cannabinoids, like CBD, are messenger substances that can act as a brake signal to the microglia, In other words, they can help reduce inflammatory activity.

CBD can be a safe choice to help replenish the endocannabinoids we may be missing as a result of chronic stress, illness, injury, aging or poor lifestyle choices.

While CBD is gaining recognition for the promise it holds for treating forms of childhood epilepsy (the FDA has given approval to a drug that is just CBD), studies show many other benefits. For example, studies have shown that CBD may also help protect our nerves and modulate inflammation and pain. In addition, CBD may even be beneficial in the treatment of disorders causing chronic pain, depression, anxiety, sleep issues, surgery pain and recovery, and even addiction.

How to Dose CBD for Fibromyalgia

There are several things to consider when taking CBD for fibromyalgia pain. First, the best response is usually achieved with using CBD tinctures at 15-30 milligrams, 3-4 times a day to start. Second, you can use less as symptoms improve. Thirdly, since there is no ‘high’ produced by CBD and little to no adverse affects, it would be a safer choice than over the counter medications.

And lastly, the best results seem to be achieved when the CBD is used daily, and proactively, to establish a steady amount of CBD in the system. Typically, this regime seems to work better than using it intermittently for flare-ups. Visit our pages about how to dose CBD for specifics on delivery methods and tips on getting started.

CBD Products for Managing Fibromyalgia Pain

Always use lab tested CBD Products to assure quality and quantity and discuss your regimen with your doctor. Often times, fibromyalgia sufferers find they can wean off of medication using CBD. As always, you may find it necessary to work with your doctor to achieve that goal. Visit our CBD success stories to learn about how people are using CBD oil to help with pain.

to learn about how people are using CBD oil to help with pain.

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