Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by diffuse pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons, with associated fatigue and multiple tender points (places on the body where slight touch causes pain). Fibromyalgia occurs in about 2% of the US population and women are much more likely to develop this disease. Often there is a triggering illness or emotional trauma, but sometimes no cause can be identified.
The pain associated with fibromyalgia is described as a constant dull ache, typically arising from muscles. Patients also suffer with fatigue and can have associated sleep disorders. Patients with fibromyalgia often have other co-existing medical problems, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lupus, Depression, IBS, PTSD, and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Fibromyalgia isn’t progressive and generally doesn’t lead to other conditions or diseases. But patients suffer greatly with pain and this can lead to anxiety, depression and lack of sleep. These problems can then interfere with the ability to function at home or on the job, and maintaining close family or personal relationships can become difficult. Patients often end up on many medications with adverse side effects and become even more frustrated and unhappy.
Medical marijuana is being used by many patients for pain relief, improvement of mood, less anxiety, and especially for better sleep. Marijuana is known to help with many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia without the adverse side effects of the strong pharmaceutical medications normally prescribed for this condition. Many patients state that just the sustained restful sleep that can be had on a regular basis helps tremendously with the pain, frustration, and anxiety associated with fibromyalgia. Since marijuana is generally known to be safe and has minimal toxic side effects (especially if taken with a vaporizer, edibles or tinctures), fibromyalgia sufferers find that its use has at least some benefit to help them get through daily life with this difficult condition.
