Patients with migraine and fibromyalgia may feel helpless as medical researchers have not been able to determine the cause. Although both conditions can be managed with symptom-managing treatment, there is not much scientific knowledge. Side effects are common and they can often be fatal.
But, the answer to both questions may be found in an unlikely place: cannabis and the cannabinoids that are contained within it. Although cannabinoids have many different effects on our health, the most important interactions seem to occur in the endocannabinoid (ECS) system. This system has been around since the 1990s.
ECS research is therefore a scientific novelty. However, the system has an impact on everything, from pain sensitivity to cognition to immune system response. It quickly became apparent that the ECS has significant and crucial implications for our health.
The majority of people have an ECS that functions well. It has ideal levels of endocannabinoids such as anandamide. This then triggers different responses by binding to cannabinoid receptors. What about people with dysregulated endocannabinoid system?
Ethan Russo, a neurologist, has spent nearly two decades trying to answer this question through the creation of a medical concept called Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency. Russo suggested that CED could be the explanation for many conditions, such as fibromyalgia, migraines, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Russo published his first CECD paper in 2004. The most recent update was ‘Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Reconsidered. This was featured in the peer reviewed Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research released in 2016.
Fibromyalgia
Let’s look at the most common symptoms of Fibromyalgia. These include pain and tender spots, cognitive issues, fibro fog, sleep difficulties, headaches, migraines, IBS, and sleeping difficulties. Although many of these symptoms can theoretically be treated with restoring optimal functioning of the ECS, it is more interesting that ECS dysfunction can explain all symptoms, even if they appear to be distinct.
The therapeutic benefits of synthetic THC analogs and psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol for fibromyalgia have been the focus of many of the studies. Although the results were generally positive, many patients experienced side effects. CBD can be crucial in any therapeutic mix as it suppresses psychoactive effects, and increases endocannabinoid levels.
Public opinion does not replace medical advice. However, it can guide the effectiveness of alternative treatments like CBD for conditions that have limited research. In 2018, a survey of over 2,400 CBD users revealed that 37 people were using CBD to treat their fibromyalgia.
Migraines
John Clendinning, an English doctor, prescribed cannabis to treat migraines in 1840s. This was one of the first cases of such a prescription recorded in the West. Cannabis was still prescribed for migraine headaches and migraines up until the early 1900s when there were negative perceptions about the plant. This eventually led to cannabis being banned. There was no further research on cannabis and migraines, until the 1970s.
Anandamide, a strong agonist for the 5-HT1A and antagonist for the 5-HT2A receptors – both are serotonin receptors. This combination makes the endocannabinoid an attractive candidate for treatment of chronic and acute migraines. Many migraineurs feel a greater sensitivity to light (phonophobia and photophobia) which may be due to an overactive sensory hyperalgesia. Anandamide can regulate excess activity via CB1 receptor activation. However, patients with Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency wouldn’t be able produce enough anandamide to cause an imbalance.
What is the best treatment for Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency with Cannabinoid?
THC is able to reduce pain and inflammation by binding to CB1 or CB2 receptors. CBD does not produce this effect directly. The cannabinoid can’t bind to either receptor, but it promotes endocannabinoids that can. ECS disorders can be treated by activating these receptors. Russo explains that CBD and FAAH inhibitors are legally available and can be used in treating CED.
Research also suggests that whole-plant medicine where CBD is combined with THC and other terpenes may be even more effective due to the synergistic effect they produce. A CBDistillery full spectrum oil is the best option for now. It contains CBD and other cannabinoids. This supports whole-plant medicine and keeps the THC content below the legal limit.
ConclusionAs with other areas of cannabinoid science, further research is needed to determine if CBD has a beneficial effect on migraines and fibromyalgia. The signs are encouraging, as both surveys and research on CBD users indicate that it can help.
