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Fibromyalgia is often called an "invisible disease" because many of those living with the condition do so in silence with no obvious symptoms. However, according to researchers at the Ohio State Medical Center, roughly two percent of the adult US population is living with fibro. That translates to nearly 200,000 Ohio residents.
What Are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
The main hallmark symptoms of fibromyalgia include widespread or diffuse muscle and joint pain, fatigue, and poor sleep. Other symptoms can vary significantly but often include anxiety and depression, digestive problems, face and jaw pain, migraines, memory problems, and numbness or tingling in the hands and/or feet.
The lack of visible symptoms, along with the social and occupational consequences of constantly being exhausted and in pain, make fibromyalgia an especially lonely, frustrating, and difficult condition to treat. Treatment is further complicated by the fact that up to 20 percent of people with fibromyalgia also have a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or sarcoidosis.
How Does Medical Marijuana Help Fibromyalgia Symptoms?
Fortunately, Ohio patients are eligible to treat fibromyalgia with medical marijuana! A growing body of research indicates that cannabis is a safe and effective treatment for fibromyalgia pain and other symptoms. In addition to alleviated symptoms, patients who use cannabis for fibromyalgia report an improved overall quality of life, a greater sense of wellness and well-being, and very low rates of adverse side effects.
Medical Marijuana Reduces Pain in Patients With Fibromyalgia
Studies show that medical marijuana works with the body's endocannabinoid system to help relieve most forms of chronic pain and increase tolerance to pain. Since patients with fibromyalgia experience several kinds of pain including spasticity and nerve pain, cannabis is an effective option and may even help patients reduce or eliminate the use of opioids.
Cannabis Can Help Reduce Anxiety and Depression Related to Fibro
The difficulty in treating anxiety and depression in those who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia is two-fold. The disease may cause symptoms of a mood disorder, and symptoms like chronic pain and insomnia can cause anxiety and depression. Add the experience of social isolation that comes with having an invisible disease, and it becomes clear how difficult mood disorders related to fibromyalgia can be to treat.
Medical marijuana may help alleviate the anxiety and depression related to fibromyalgia, therefore improving quality of life as well as making other symptoms easier to manage.
3 Easy Steps
Step 1
Schedule an appointment with one of our friendly marijuana doctors at any location throughout the State!
Step 2
Visit our office for your
in-person evaluation with a state-certified medical marijuana doctor.
Step 3
With the doctor's approval, you'll receive your card via email from the Ohio Board of Pharmacy.
Medical Marijuana Doctors Can Help
While marijuana is not a cure for Fibromyalgia, it can help make people with the condition much more comfortable. As with any medication, you should always discuss cannabis with a physician before initial use. If you are interested in using cannabis to help manage your symptoms, schedule an evaluation with an Ohio Marijuana Card doctor today!