Effects of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia can be devastating, making the simplest chores exhausting or impossible. Fibromyalgia is a complex neurological disorder that is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. More than 5 million Americans suffer from fibromyalgia, 80-90% being women. Chronic pain, joint stiffness, chronic fatigue, insomnia, general weakness, headaches, brain fog, digestive issues and anxiety are just a few of the symptoms associated with this disorder. Pain comes and goes and often migrates or moves around the body. Fibromyalgia is hard to treat and impossible to cure. It is not progressive or fatal but is extremely painful.

What MMJ Can Do

Medical marijuana is very useful when it comes to managing pain, so it is very popular among those suffering from the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Medical cannabis works against pain and may be synergistic with pain medications. MMJ can help you sleep, increase appetite, reduce nausea and improve your mood – which is also important because depression and anxiety are well known in fibromyalgia sufferers.

Different MMJ Strains Have Varying Effects

Of course, cannabis won’t cure fibromyalgia – there is no cure. But it can definitely make the pain more manageable. There are hundreds of cannabis strains that offer pain relief and will improve your sleep, so experimenting to find the perfect strain to manage your symptoms is key. Listed are the most effective strains to try in combating your fibromyalgia symptoms.

1. Blue Dream – This strain is one of the most popular marijuana strains, possessing high levels of terpene myrcene and CBG which is relaxing, improves mood and reduces inflammation. It is also great to help you sleep.
2. Blueberry – Alleviates fibromyalgia symptoms, while providing emotional relief.
3. Girl Scout Cookies – With its high level of THC, this strain provides a great amount of pain relief. Start slow and use it when you’re staying in.
4. Harlequin – This MMJ strain is high in CBD, so it is great to use daily as the CBD minimizes the psychoactive effects of the THC. It is great to use for a pain-free, non-dizzy day.
5. Cannatonic – This strain of weed also contains high levels of CBD. Helps alleviate muscle spasms, anxiety and pain.

Medical Cannabis Is Useful

The FDA has only approved three drugs for the treatment of fibromyalgia – Cymbalta, Lyrica and Savalla. But many who have tried these medications claim they either don’t help or they add to their symptoms. In a recent study, 62% of patients that have tried cannabis to treat their fibromyalgia said it was very effective. Thirty three percent said it helped a little and only 5% said it gave them no relief at all.