Why I Take CBD Oil for Fibromyalgia
By Karen Crosby
For quite some time I have been weighing up the possibility of trying CBD oil for fibromyalgia.
However, I have recently been diagnosed, after x-rays, with cervical spondylosis in c4 to c7 of my spine, as well as signs of arthritis also in quite a few of my joints, most likely caused by radiotherapy after cancer treatment two years ago.
My GP gave the go ahead and I started on the CBD oil.
There are four main areas I wanted help with:
1. Depression and anxiety. This is the unfortunate state of mind we all have to face with fibro and serotonin levels, and it is something I struggle with daily.
2. Pain. Obviously pain is a daily struggle too, with no two days being the same, and spreading all over the body. This coupled with my neck pain with the arthritis was a main concern.
3. Sleep. I don’t have to tell you all that we don’t get enough level 4 sleep, and that insomnia only adds to pain and exhaustion.
4. Arthritis. (See above). Since arthritis pain is now added to my daily struggle, I wanted help with this type of pain too.
Depression and Anxiety
CBD oil has for some time shown really good results in studies of people living with anxiety and depression.
The reason for this is the case is that it has a good interaction with serotonin receptors in the brain without any activation of the endocannabinoid receptors, and this translates to the CBD oil not becoming addictive. Also the side effects have been fewer than taking the usual medication (especially opioids which are addictive), which has only to be a good thing.
It also helps with other mental health conditions.
Pain
CBD oil has a positive effect on pain, not only by reducing pain, but also inflammation (if arthritis is present), and other discomfort for a variety of health conditions.
One 2018 study found that it was effective on the pain caused by various conditions, namely cancer pain, neuropathic pain (nerve pain) and fibro. This was based on evidence from studies carried out between 1975 and 2018.
The findings were that CBD was effective on overall pain management without negative side effects.
Sleep
Sleep is a difficult one to quantify, as there are several factors contributing to poor sleep patterns and insomnia.
With fibro, there are so many things causing poor sleep, like anxiety, depression, chronic pain, restless legs, the list is endless.
Also environmental factors like noise, uncomfortable bed, caffeine consumed late in the day and others.
Given that CBD oil helps a lot of the aforementioned problems, and the research supporting that it can help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, then CBD should help sleep.
During the day, the sleepy feeling sufferers of insomnia have to deal with because of poor nigh-time sleep may also be helped by CBD by promoting wakefulness during the day.
Arthritis
Because there have been good results in reducing inflammation, it is therefore good for painful and swollen joints found with arthritis. A study published in the health journal Pain in 2017 found that it helped ease arthritis pain because it not only reduced joint inflammation but also protected the nerves and therefore neuropathic pain.
My findings
Depression and anxiety
I have found that after a week of starting the CBD oil, that I was a lot less anxious generally, and although I am a positive person, I do still suffer depression, and so far I am feeling better in myself.
Pain
This is the best result for me, especially the neck pain with my arthritis, and although I can feel sensations in the neck, it is not pain! It has also helped with my day-to-day fibro pain by feeling sensations but not pain! I am about to transition from 3.5% strength to 5% in the next few days when I finish my 3.5% bottle.
Sleep
I am having missed results in this area. I have found that I still get spates of insomnia like always, but I also find that when I can go to sleep, the amount of time it takes to get to sleep is reduced and I feel much more refreshed after a good nights sleep that I can say there is improvement in this area.
It is important to check with your GP before starting CBD, as it is contra-indicated for some medication, and should not be used with any anti-spasmodic meds.
Happy pain-free month!