February 11, 2019 | Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain
By, Lauraine Kanders, ANP, ACNP-BC
By, Lauraine Kanders, ANP, ACNP-BC
Fibromyalgia has troubled patients since a long time, and cannabis could soon become the most prominent solution for alleviating the pain and symptoms associated with this disease. Before we delve deep into how Cannabis can assist in treating this syndrome, we’ll first look at what Fibromyalgia really is and what constitutes as effective treatment for the condition.
What is Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS)?
The definition and the diagnosis for FMS or Fibromyalgia Syndrome vary from practitioner to practitioner; the reason for this being the lack of a defined diagnosis for the condition. However, the general consensus among all practitioners is that FMS is the presence of widespread and chronic musculoskeletal pain across the body. This pain is more often than not accompanied by other conditions such as insomnia, migraines, mood swings, memory problems, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic fatigue.
The condition of FMS is predominantly found to affect women and is believed to be diagnosed in them during the ages of 20 to 40. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States reveal that over 4 million adults within the United States have been affected with the condition of fibromyalgia.
Based on recent research on the condition, doctors and experts have unearthed a connection between the Endocannabinoid system and fibromyalgia.
Understanding the Endocannabinoid System
The Endocannabinoid system is a recently discovered system within the human body. The system was discovered back in the 1990s along with receptors located within the peripheral nervous system, in organs related to immunity, and in the central nervous system.
These receptors, located at convenient spots within the body, immediately react to cannabinoids made by our body itself and the ones found within medical cannabis. With the discovery of these Endocannabinoid receptors, one is forced to find the logic behind their presence. These receptors only add weight to our body’s adaptability to use cannabis as a medication.
Fibromyalgia and Endocannabinoid Deficiency
Today, we have more information on FMS and the connection with the Endocannabinoid system than ever before. The theory being researched currently is that our ECS system has the ability to balance and regulate all the systems within our body. Research further suggests that in some cases, acquired or congenial, the function of our ECS becomes deficient and is the cause of numerous syndromes. Fibromyalgia could be one of these syndromes resulting from a deficiency in the Endocannabinoid system.
Moreover, if we further dissect fibromyalgia and its symptoms, we realize the potential of cannabis in alleviating these symptoms. Migraines, chronic pain, and insomnia are some of the many symptoms of fibromyalgia that can be reduced through the use of cannabis.
At Medical Marijuana Recs NY, Lauraine Kanders and her team provide visitors with in-depth online sessions and the certification required for MMJ use. Our group of NPs and doctors strive towards helping you through your condition and ensuring that you get your MMJ certificate, if your condition qualifies. Our prices cannot be matched.
