Fibromyalgia is a health condition that affects around 3-6% of the world's population. The NHS estimates between 1.2 million and 2.8 million people in the UK alone are affected, which is around 2-4.5% of the population. This condition can affect adults of any age, and statistics show that it is predominantly found in women, more so than men with female sufferers making up around 70-90% of the numbers.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia, or FMS is a long-term condition with no known cure which causes chronic pain all over the body. Other common symptoms include increased sensitivity to pain, extreme fatigue, headaches, IBS, and muscle stiffness. It can also cause problems with sleep and issues with memory & concentration (also known as "fibro-fog")
The symptoms can understandably have a decremental effect on the suffer's day-to-day life and finding relief is important to enable a better quality of life. Common treatments currently prescribed to patients in the UK are painkillers, antidepressants, cognitive behavioural therapy and lifestyle changes such as exercise and relaxation techniques.
Although treatment options may help to relieve the symptoms, there is no permanent cure for the illness and it's a constant battle for those who suffer.
Fibromyalgia & relief using CBD Oil
Recently, CBD is being considered as an aid to a great many ailments. It has succesfully assisted with the relief of anxiety, pain and sleep problems, with more and more people turning to it in the hope of benefiting from it's many uses. It's clear that, although medical claims are not currently allowed, CBD could play a big part in the relief of so much more in the future.
The use of CBD oil to relieve symptoms of Fibromyalgia is becoming more and more apparent, with an increase in our own customers vouching for it's efficiency. Prescribed drugs can often become ineffective after prolonged use; possibly because the body builds up a tolerance to them and demands stronger and stronger doses to be effective. Prescribed drugs are often made from lots of chemicals, which can come along with side-effects and addiction risks. Taking the right dose of a more natural treatment such as CBD can assist with relieving many of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia without using chemicals that could potentially affect the body in other ways.
How?
Firstly, it's a good idea to have a basic understanding of the ECS (endocannabinoid system). Every human body contains an ECS which is made up of receptors and produces its own cannabinoids. By introducing more cannabinoids into the body, we allow the ECS to accept and process them. The ECS responds to the cannabinoids and distributes the relevant effect throughout the body, The ECS is explained in more detail here.
When we distribute cannabinoids accross the ECS, the receptors get to work and send them wherever they are needed - in the same way that painkillers are sent to where the pain is by using pain receptors. CBD acts as an anti-inflammatory and can therefore assist with the pain associated with fibromyalgia as well as relieving IBS and headaches. Cannabinoids can also help calm the mind, which may assist the mental effects including fibro-fog, anxiety and disturbed sleep.
Pharmahemp Full Spectrum - A Customer Favourite
Finding the right dose
If you haven't taken CBD oil before, it's better to start low and gradually increase your dose. While there are currently few reported side effects of CBD, taking too much too quickly can result in slight dizziness and headaches. The best way to figure out the perfect dose is to take a small amount to begin with, and gradually increase it until your symptoms start to subside. More information can be found here about dosing and what CBD products are available.
