What is fibromyalgia?

Widespread pain, chronic fatigue, increased muscle sensitivity in the absence of the organic disease  are signs of fibromyalgia [1].  The condition was described at the end of the 20th century and still has no medical explanation [2].  Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include poor sleep, cognitive dysfunction, and depression.  The causes of fibromyalgia are unknown.  Anyone can get fibromyalgia, but women suffer more often than men and the probability of getting this disorder increases with age [3].

What are the possible causes of fibromyalgia?

Reduced levels of serotonin.

People suffering from fibromyalgia have increased sensitivity to heat, cold or mechanical pressure. These stimuli cause pain that does not occur in healthy people.  Scientists have found that patients with fibromyalgia have a reduced level of serotonin in the blood serum [4].  Therefore, it is possible that a decrease in serotonin transmission is one of the causes of fibromyalgia.

Dysfunction of the endocannabinoid system

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a major regulatory system of the body, which includes cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and molecules that activate them - endocannabinoids (anandamide).  ECS has an important role in regulation of most functions of the body, alterations in ECS function are associated with the development of many disorders, in particular, fibromyalgia [5].

What are the benefits of CBD for fibromyalgia?

CBD increases activity of serotonin receptors.

Serotonin affects cell activity through interaction with its receptors. CBD also interacts with a certain type of serotonin receptor (5-HT1A) [6].  In particular, because of this, CBD has an analgesic, anxiolytic (anxiety reduction) and antidepressant effect [7].  This way CBD can help alleviate the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

CBD reduces inflammation.

Fibromyalgia is associated with inflammation in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues [8].  CBD has a significant anti-inflammatory effect, particularly CBD has a positive impact on inflammation in the nervous system [9].  In addition, herbal preparations of cannabis are being studied as an adjunctive therapy for fibromyalgia pain.  THC shows a more pronounced analgesic effect than CBD [10].

CBD activates the ECS.

CBD increases the amount of endocannabinoids (because it inhibits their breakdown) and increases the concentration of anandamide in body tissues [11].  Activating the ECS may have a positive effect on a large number of molecular processes in the body.

Unfortunately, there is still no conclusive scientific evidence that CBD is an effective treatment of fibromyalgia.

However, a recent survey of 878 people with fibromyalgia who use CBD found that 70% of them reduced or stopped using opioids and other painkillers because of using CBD.

CBD is non-addictive, has virtually no side effects, and is much safer than opioid analgesics [12].

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