Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Suggest Treatment For Severe Headaches, Strained Neck, Shoulders And Back
Hi. I ve been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia for 20 years & am 74 now. My dr. asked me to stop muscle relaxants about 3 years ago due to my age and I agreed mainly as I want to take the least amount of drugs possible and try to protect my brain. I m in a bit of a crisis now as I ve strained my neck, shoulders and back while gardening so along with all that pain I m having severe headaches constantly for weeks now. I m going to ask for muscle relaxants again but to use prn rather than nightly as before. (I m an RN) I regularly take a half of a Vicodin hs but taking more along with some oxycodone occasionally due to the severity of the headaches, etc. We happen to live in Washington State so my question is --- can you tell me if there is any advantage to using medical marijuana for fibromyalgia? Thank you so very much for being there and for your kindness and patience. Sandi Nolden
Thu, 3 Sep 2015
Hi Sandi, thanks for sharing your query with HCM.
Yes there is an advantage to using medical marijuana for relief from fibromyalgia - do allow me to elaborate. M
Marijuana / cannabis is an especially good pain killer as we have numerous cannabinoid receptors throughout the nervous system. Cannabinoids; molecules like THC and CBG, are able to modulate pain signals sent from both peripheral nerves and the spinal cord - this accounts for marijuana's ability to effectively control pain. Additionally, cannabis can work synergistically with other painkillers, improves sleep and enhances mood. Cannabis has been used for ages to combat pain upto the 1930's until it was outlawed.
The National Pain Report for 2014 found that many fibromyalgia sufferers experienced significant relief with medical marijuana compared to the other 3 drugs prescribed; duloxetine, pregabalin and milnacipran. Alternative therapies such as massage, swimming and acupuncture were also helpful.
I hope my answer helps. Do take care and good luck.
Dr Shabnam
Yes there is an advantage to using medical marijuana for relief from fibromyalgia - do allow me to elaborate. M
Marijuana / cannabis is an especially good pain killer as we have numerous cannabinoid receptors throughout the nervous system. Cannabinoids; molecules like THC and CBG, are able to modulate pain signals sent from both peripheral nerves and the spinal cord - this accounts for marijuana's ability to effectively control pain. Additionally, cannabis can work synergistically with other painkillers, improves sleep and enhances mood. Cannabis has been used for ages to combat pain upto the 1930's until it was outlawed.
The National Pain Report for 2014 found that many fibromyalgia sufferers experienced significant relief with medical marijuana compared to the other 3 drugs prescribed; duloxetine, pregabalin and milnacipran. Alternative therapies such as massage, swimming and acupuncture were also helpful.
I hope my answer helps. Do take care and good luck.
Dr Shabnam
I find this answer helpful
1 Doctor agrees with this answer
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....