According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, fibromyalgia is currently estimated to affect over 5 million Americans 18 or older. With patients experiencing widespread musculoskeletal pain as well as fatigue, sleep loss, and mood swings, many of those affected look towards medical marijuana for help. Already a qualifying condition for medical marijuana in states like Arkansas and more, it's no wonder fibromyalgia patients demand options.

Related: How Medical Marijuana Can Help Patients with Glaucoma

Since fibromyalgia is a non curable syndrome, treatment is essentially all about diminishing the symptoms. Fibromyalgia is often debilitating and can leave patients seeking alternative treatments, such as cannabis as a way to manage their pain and sensitivity.

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

According to the Mayo Clinic, fibromyalgia "symptoms sometimes begin after a physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event."

Many experts still disagree on the real root cause of fibromyalgia. Some have theorized that the disease relates directly to CECD, otherwise known as Clinical Endocannabanoid Deficiency. Other disorders that often overlap with fibromyalgia include anxiety and depression. While it's still up in the air as to a cause for the disorder, fibromyalgia affects far more women than men.

Is Medical Cannabis a Good Treatment for Fibromyalgia?

One could view the endocannnabinoid system as the internet of ones body. It helps with communication between your brain, connective tissues, organs, glands and more. Its main purpose is to help keep the human body in homeostasis. When ones endocannabinoid system isn't functioning properly, it has drastic negative effects on one physically and mentally. If things get thrown off, everything from sleep patterns, gastrointestinal health, and more can be effected.

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Since fibromyalgia is so difficult to treat, and there is currently no cure available. Many patients are curious as to whether medical marijuana might help end some of their suffering. Many patients have tried using medical marijuana to treat their fibromyalgia symptoms and have had fantastic results. The National Pain Foundation conducted a study of over 1300 patients back in 2014, which showed that nearly 30% of those surveyed had used medical marijuana as a treatment for their symptoms. Beyond that, 62% of those who had used medical marijuana said that it was “very effective” in treating their symptoms.

Should I Treat My Fibromyalgia Symptoms with Cannabis?

If you suffer from fibromyalgia and are looking for relief, medical marijuana may be the answer. Before self medicating, speak to your physician and make sure to obtain your medicine legally. Sadly, cannabis as treatment for the associated symptoms of fibromyalgia isn't legally recognized in every state, so make sure to use the correct legal channels available to you if considering marijuana as a treatment option.

Related: Get to Know Strainprint's Medical Advisory Board

For those with legal access to marijuana for their fibromyalgia, here's 3 of the best strains for treating pain, discomfort, fatigue and more:

Blue Dream - According to our friends at Marijuana.com, "Blue Dream has been high on the popularity chart among Sativa-fans for well over a decade." A long-time top choice for depression and anxiety relief, Blue Dream can help any fibromyalgia patient through their woes.

Harlequin - Harlequin is a pain relieving super-strain with a CBD dominant cannabinoid blend in terms of THC and CBD content. While Harlequin will help fibromyalgia patients with their pain, it will still allow them to go about their normal routine without feeling too hazy or high.

Cannatonic - Cannatonic is only slighly psychoactive due to its low THC levels and CBD dominance. Cannatonic is a phenominal choice for new cannabis consumers, but even seasoned smokers will appreciate this hybrid strain’s ability to relieve pain, decrease anxiety, diminish muscle spasms, and more.

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