Medical Marijuana for Fibromyalgia

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a central nervous system disorder that causes widespread muscle pain throughout the entire body. The extreme pain fibromyalgia patients experience hinders their daily routines and quality of life, which can lead to depression and anxiety. Fibromyalgia is often linked with other medical conditions. If you have already been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, there is a greater chance that you may be susceptible to developing fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms

People with fibromyalgia may be more susceptible to pain than others. This medical condition is often accompanied by many of the following symptoms: fatigue, sleep issues, pain, muscle stiffness, cognitive issues, headaches, sometimes even migraines, and mood changes, including anxiety and depression. Other symptoms are a tingling sensation and patients feeling numbness in their feet or hands, digestive tract issues, and jaw pain. These symptoms can vary for each fibromyalgia patient.

Fibromyalgia Treatment

While this chronic medical condition cannot be cured, patients with severe fibromyalgia will have treatment options via therapy and prescriptions. These treatments include standard medications prescribed by your doctor, regular exercise, stress coping mechanisms, and cognitive behavior therapy for anxiety and depression.

Is Marijuana Good for Fibromyalgia?

The use of cannabis for fibromyalgia has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential benefits in treating pain, inflammation, and other symptoms. There have been studies that show that medical marijuana for fibromyalgia may help improve symptoms associated with chronic pain and help with its anti-inflammatory benefits. Marijuana for fibromyalgia has been found to alleviate chronic pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mood for many patients. Since THC provides many of these benefits, cannabis for fibromyalgia is a great solution. Another part of the cannabis plant, CBD, helps uplift moods while also providing anti-inflammatory benefits.

Can I Get a Medical Marijuana Card for Fibromyalgia?

With continued research into marijuana for fibromyalgia symptom relief, medical cannabis is becoming more widely available for patients seeking alternative treatment options for their symptoms. It is therefore one of the qualifying health conditions in Illinois for patients to receive medical cannabis to help alleviate their associated symptoms. In order to obtain medical marijuana, fibromyalgia patients must apply for a medical marijuana card. Finding the best marijuana strain for fibromyalgia is a personal process, as each patient's symptoms and preferences may differ.

**Always ask your primary care physician whether you should use medical cannabis for fibromyalgia symptoms. This information should not replace professional medical advice.