Medicinal cannabis can be an alternative or complement for the treatment of a number of rheumatic diseases, including fibromyalgia
Scientists are finding more and more applications for medicinal cannabis. There are already a number of diseases that can be treated with the substance. Among these, rheumatic diseases have very promising results and benefits.
Rheumatic diseases
According to Dr. Flavio Geraldes Alves, president of the Pan American Association of Cannabinoid Medicine (APMC) and medical consultant of NuNature Labs, the main rheumatic diseases are:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints, causing pain, stiffness and swelling.
- Osteoarthritis: is a degenerative disease that causes wear and tear of the cartilage in the joints, causing pain, stiffness and loss of mobility.
- Fibromyalgia: It is a chronic disease that causes widespread pain in the body, fatigue, sleep problems and mood changes.
- Gout: is a disease that causes inflammation of the joints, usually of the feet, caused by the accumulation of uric acid in the blood.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): is an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs and systems in the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, and brain.
“The most common symptoms of rheumatological diseases mainly include pain, stiffness, edema and muscle weakness. The pain can be acute or chronic and can be localized in a joint or generalized,” explains the doctor.
According to him, the evolution of rheumatic diseases can vary from person to person. “In some cases the diseases can be controlled with proper treatment, while in other cases they can progress and cause permanent damage to joints and other organs,” he says.
Medical cannabis treatment
However, medicinal cannabis can represent an effective alternative in the treatment of rheumatic diseases. According to Flavio, the secret lies in cannabinoids, the main active compounds of cannabis.
“They bind to specific receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system. These receptors are responsible for transmitting pain and inflammation signals. By binding to these receptors, cannabinoids can block the transmission of these signals, reducing pain and inflammation,” explains. In this way the substance can alleviate the main symptoms of rheumatic diseases.
Furthermore, cannabidiol can also help improve symptoms of anxiety and insomnia, commonly associated in patients with chronic pain.
Case of fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is one of the rheumatic diseases that particularly benefits from the therapeutic potential of medicinal cannabis. It is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people around the world, significantly compromising patients’ quality of life.
According to the Brazilian Society of Pain Studies, fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose, which also makes the accuracy of data regarding the number of cases in Brazil and worldwide difficult. However, it is estimated that at least 3% of the Brazilian population suffers from intense and disabling pain, among other symptoms caused by fibromyalgia.
The estimate also highlights that the syndrome is more recurrent in women: 90% of diagnosed cases of fibromyalgia fall into this population group, with a more common incidence in women aged between 25 and 50.
Due to widespread chronic pain and other associated symptoms, the disease has important consequences in people’s daily lives. Fibromyalgia is a complex condition characterized by widespread and chronic muscle pain, often accompanied by non-restorative sleep, fatigue and mood disorders. Although its cause is not entirely clear, evidence points to a change in patients’ perception of pain, which contributes to debilitating symptoms.
Dr. Marcella Andrade, rheumatologist and medical director of Clínica Immunis Reumatologia Integrada, highlights the devastating impact that fibromyalgia can have on patients’ lives. “Chronic pain limits work and social activities, often isolating patients from a full and active life,” she says.
Cannabis as a possible solution
According to her, among the challenges faced by fibromyalgia patients, medical cannabis has emerged as a possible solution. “Recent research has explored the potential benefits of the active components of cannabis in relieving chronic pain and improving quality of life,” says the practitioner.
Marcella stresses, however, that the use of medicinal cannabis to treat fibromyalgia should be supervised by qualified healthcare professionals and prescribed only when appropriate. She explains that medicinal cannabis is not without risks, contraindications and side effects, underlining the importance of adequate medical monitoring.
“Research on the use of medical cannabis in the treatment of fibromyalgia is constantly evolving. New discoveries and clinical studies are being conducted to better understand how this therapy can be optimized to meet patients’ needs, providing effective relief and improved quality of life,” he states.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
