Medical Cannabis and Fibromyalgia

Please note this is educational information and does not replace the opinion and assessment of a doctor.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition in which the main symptoms are chronic widespread pain and fatigue. Other associated symptoms can include muscle stiffness, headaches, poor sleep, problems with concentration or thought processes (which some people call ‘fibro-fog’), low mood and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

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The pain associated with fibromyalgia may often be all over the body, changing location and severity at different times. Some patients will describe their fatigue as ranging from a low-level tiredness to feeling as if they have a viral illness.

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Fibromyalgia can affect different people in different ways. Some people will continue to manage their daily activities despite their condition, but for others it can severely impact on their ability to continue with a normal life.

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The exact causes of fibromyalgia are not known, however there are some insights into contributing factors and associated challenges. It is noted that fibromyalgia may occur after a traumatic event like an accident or illness or after significant emotional trauma. Sometimes it does occur without any obvious cause at all.

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Some research suggests that fibromyalgia is related to abnormalities of some chemicals in the nervous system and in the way pain signals are processed in the body. This may go some way to explaining the constant sensations of pain and fatigue experienced by people with fibromyalgia.

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You should always see a doctor for a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia can be tricky to diagnose – especially because there are often multiple symptoms or people may have other conditions alongside this, so it is important that a patient has a thorough examination to ensure that other conditions are identified too. Some people may have fibromyalgia alongside other conditions. In addition, it can be difficult for patients to verbalise all the symptoms they are experiencing and for healthcare professionals to work through this complex condition.

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Fibromyalgia is predominantly a clinical diagnosis – this means there aren’t any specific biomarkers of the condition, but a diagnosis is made by assessing the symptoms, signs, history and pattern alongside physical examination. Generally, in the UK, diagnosis is guided by the Widespread Pain Index and the Symptom Severity Scale. This includes many factors centering around the presence of pain in multiple body regions alongside an evaluation of associated symptoms including fatigue, concentration or the effect of rest.  

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There is no cure for Fibromyalgia, but treatment is centered around improving the symptoms of the condition and improving quality of life. This may involve more than one treatment or intervention for the different symptoms involved. A patient’s GP can help talk them through a management plan that is best suited to them, but generally this will include three main options of exercise, talking therapies and medications.

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Remaining active is important for patients and can improve symptoms and this can be very challenging for those who are already in pain. Patients may be offered an exercise program to help them find a routine that works for them.

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Talking therapies can help patients to manage their perceptions and coping mechanisms around pain.

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Several medications may be used including different types of pain medicines and antidepressants.

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Whilst research into medical cannabis and fibromyalgia is limited, there has been an increase in the number of patients looking to medical cannabis when some of the interventions above have not been successful in managing their condition. It is important that this is done via specialist clinicians and only on prescription with the right care in place. 

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If you would to discuss medical cannabis and fibromyalgia you can contact us here or self refer here.