What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a painful condition that causes pain across large parts of the body. The pain is felt within the muscles and soft tissues and may be more severe in trigger points on the back, shoulders, or neck.
The symptoms of fibromyalgia may be more noticeable after long periods in the same position such as in the evenings or first thing in the morning.
Fibromyalgia and Medical Cannabis: The Facts
1 in 20
are estimated to be affected by fibromyalgia, but this likely underestimates the true impact of this condition as it often underdiagnosed [1]
47%
of people with fibromyalgia saw their employment disrupted by their condition. [2]
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not fully understood. However, it is believed to occur after the body produces an abnormal response to a previous episode of either acute of chronic pain, leading to a generalised increase in sensitivity to pain and muscle tenderness.
Some studies also suggest that genetics may play a role in the development of fibromyalgia, although this is unlikely to be the sole cause.
For many people, symptoms can be triggered by physically or emotionally stressful events, even if there is no single clear underlying cause.
Known triggers of fibromyalgia include:
- An injury or infection
- Childbirth
- Undergoing an operation
- The breakdown of a relationship
- The death of a loved one
What are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
The main symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread pain, often described as a constant, dull ache. This pain is felt across large parts of the body, most commonly in the neck, shoulders, back and knees.
Unlike short-term illnesses or conditions that can cause generalised pain, fibromyalgia-related pain is long-term (chronic) and usually lasts for at least three months.
People with fibromyalgia may also experience heightened sensitivity to pain, meaning that sensations which are mild for most people can feel much more painful.
In addition to widespread pain, other symptoms can include:
- Severe tiredness (fatigue)
- Muscle stiffness
- Sleep disruption such as difficulty sleeping
- Problems with memory and concentration, known as ‘fibro-fog’
- Headaches
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Some women are also affected by interstitial cystitis, a sensitive or painful bladder, with increased frequency of urination
How is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?
There are no specific tests that can directly diagnose fibromyalgia. Instead, most diagnoses are made by reviewing a person’s medical history alongside a physical examination.
Because symptoms can vary widely, it may take some time to reach a diagnosis. This is partly because many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia can also occur in other conditions. Your GP may first want to rule out conditions such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. These can often be investigated using blood or urine tests, X-rays, or scans.
Having one or more of these conditions does not necessarily mean you don’t also have fibromyalgia.
A specialist will usually consider the following criteria when making a diagnosis:
- Severe pain in 3 to 6 different areas of the body or a dull ache/pain in 7 or more areas of the body
- Pain and additional symptoms that have been present for 3 months or longer
- Other conditions with similar symptoms have been ruled out
Treatment Options for Fibromyalgia
While there is currently no cure for fibromyalgia and no one-size-fits-all approach, there are a range of treatments available that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Treatment usually involves a combination of talking therapies and lifestyle changes, such as gentle exercise or relaxation techniques.
For specific symptoms like pain, anxiety, or sleep problems, some patients may be prescribed medication. If these first-line treatments are not effective, some patients may be eligible for medical cannabis treatment through a private clinic
How does Fibromyalgia Affect People?
Fibromyalgia is a complex condition that can affect people in different ways. As well as experiencing widespread pain and muscle stiffness, many people also have symptoms linked to conditions such as insomnia, anxiety and depression. Together, these symptoms can lead to chronic fatigue and increased stress, which may impact relationships and contribute to social isolation.
The physical and emotional effects of fibromyalgia can also make it difficult for some people to attend work, education, or social activities. Some patients feel they have to hide their symptoms, which can lead to further stress and exhaustion.
You can also read our blog on how medical cannabis can support some people with chronic illness to return to work.
"Life before medical cannabis was quite overwhelming, filled with fatigue and pain. I found Curaleaf Clinic to be a great experience – having an appointment with a pain consultant who respects and understands the conditions that you’re dealing with on a daily basis was really refreshing"
To learn more about the real-world experiences of patients with chronic pain and other conditions prescribed medical cannabis, check out our testimonials page.
Medical Cannabis for Fibromyalgia
Since 2018, private clinics in the UK have legally been able to prescribe medical cannabis to eligible patients with fibromyalgia who have not found sufficient relief from other first-line treatments. Due to limited NHS access, most patients prescribed medical cannabis for fibromyalgia are seen via private clinics such as Curaleaf Clinic.
Research Regarding Medical Cannabis and Fibromyalgia
Clinical research into medical cannabis for fibromyalgia is still limited. However, Curaleaf Clinic is contributing to real-world evidence through the UK Medical Cannabis Registry.
One study from the Registry assessed outcomes from 497 patients undergoing medical cannabis treatment for fibromyalgia, collecting data on patient experiences and treatment methods. The most common prescription was medical cannabis oil, followed by dried flower for vaporisation, or a combination of both.
These findings help to build on our understanding of how medical cannabis is being used in practice and its potential effects for eligible patients.
How Can Medical Cannabis Help with Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
Research suggests that cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in regulating pain and other bodily processes.
By activating cannabinoid receptors within the ECS, medical cannabis may influence how individuals experience pain, as well as symptoms such as anxiety, sleep problems, and muscle stiffness [3].
Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons patients in the UK are prescribed medical cannabis.
Are there any Side Effects of Medical Cannabis for Patients with Fibromyalgia?
As with any medical treatment, medical cannabis can cause side effects. Research from the Registry found that around with fibromyalgia reported experiencing a side effect [4].
Most side effects were mild to moderate, with the most reported being fatigue, headache, dry mouth, and drowsiness.
Can I be Prescribed Medical Cannabis for Fibromyalgia?
Medical cannabis may be considered for fibromyalgia when other treatments have not provided sufficient relief or have caused difficult side effects. In the UK, access through the NHS is very limited, so most patients are prescribed medical cannabis through private clinics. Only specialist doctors on the GMC’s Specialist Register are able to dassess whether it is the right option for you.
If you want to explore whether you are eligible for an appointment, you can complete an online eligibility assessment with Curaleaf Clinic. The team will review your full medical records and, if appropriate, invite you to meet with a consultant experienced in chronic pain conditions.