Fibromyalgia affects about 4 million adults in the U.S., with women being twice as likely as men to develop the condition. There’s no known cause of this chronic condition, which is characterized by a variety of symptoms, including widespread pain and sensitivity, fatigue, sleep problems, and other physical and mental health complications, because of the way it affects our bodies’ response to pain.

Medical marijuana and fibromyalgia—what’s the link?

Some people have more severe symptoms while others experience milder ones, but generally, it is an ongoing, long-term condition that has no real cure. Of course, treatments and interventions such as lifestyle modifications can help manage it.

Exercise, diet, and other lifestyle modifications, along with some pain medications, are used to manage fibromyalgia, but we know how dangerous prolonged opioid use can be. Instead, marijuana offers a safer alternative by helping target many of the symptoms of this condition.

Fibromyalgia and its symptoms

Fibromyalgia often leads to musculoskeletal pain and stiffness that become difficult to manage on a day to day basis. Joint pain, aches, and muscle soreness make it hard to carry out tasks and errands; more so when coupled with extreme fatigue and exhaustion.

However, there are also several other symptoms, and comorbidities with this condition, including:

  • Cognitive difficulties: also known as fibro-fog, it can be difficult for people with this condition to focus on anything, especially tasks that require mental effort and concentration.
  • IBS: this issue goes both ways, with one study showing that 70% of fibromyalgia patients having IBS and 65% of IBS patients have fibromyalgia, and could be due to specific events, illnesses, or even anxiety.
  • CFS: chronic fatigue is another common effect and condition that patients of FMS have. It’s difficult to make lasting changes when a person lacks energy and is in pain to function fully, making it all the more challenging to handle simultaneously.
  • Mental health issues: stress, anxiety, and depression are often commonly associated with FMS and may, in fact, exacerbate symptoms.

A  young woman looks stressed as she struggles to concentrate with fibro-fog.

 

Marijuana’s benefits for health concerns

Marijuana is excellent for a variety of health concerns and problems, including pain management, reducing inflammation, and other symptoms like headaches and nausea. You’ll find a range of products that are designed to target pain and specific symptoms of fibromyalgia at local dispensaries.

You’re not alone if you’re dealing with this life-altering condition. If you feel like you’d benefit from the use of medical marijuana, register with us to connect with medical marijuana doctors California. Through online consultations, they can evaluate your case and issue you a medical marijuana card in New York for local dispensaries. Reach out to us here for any concerns or questions.