Fibromyalgia is a serious health condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by issues with sleep, memory, mood, and fatigue. It is estimated that as many as one out of every twenty people on the planet suffers from fibromyalgia to some degree. It is a serious problem across the globe, affecting people of all ages, and, unfortunately, there is currently no known cure.

The types of treatments used by medical professionals to help suffering patients depend on the severity of the musculoskeletal pain and related issues. If possible, patients are encouraged to incorporate lifestyle changes like increased exercise. Physical therapy and mental health counseling are other options.

Regarding common medications, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are sometimes prescribed, along with anti-seizure drugs and anti-depressants. Medical cannabis is another form of treatment that many fibromyalgia incorporate into their wellness strategies.

A team of health researchers based in Spain and affiliated with the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona recently conducted a study focused on the use of topically applied cannabidiol (CBD) by fibromyalgia (FM) patients. The study’s findings were published in the Journal of Cannabis Research.

“This single-arm pilot study included 30 women with FM and clinically relevant localized pain due to musculoskeletal, neuropathic, or cutaneous comorbidities. Participants self-applied a commercially available CBD-containing topical formulation to a painful area every 8 h for 12 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks. Nonparametric repeated-measures analyses, Monte Carlo resampling, effect sizes, and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) thresholds were applied.” the researchers wrote about their methodology.

“At the 4- and 12-week follow-up visits, all participants reported full adherence to the prescribed application schedule. No adverse events or side effects were reported. Localized pain showed a significant and clinically meaningful reduction at 4 weeks, sustained at 12 weeks (60% achieving MCID). Functional capacity improved significantly, with 50% of participants exceeding the MCID at 4 weeks.” the researchers found.

“Topical application of a CBD-containing formulation was feasible and was associated with improvements in localized pain and functionality in this exploratory single-arm study.” the researchers also wrote. “Although limited by its uncontrolled design, this pilot study provides effect size estimates and methodological guidance to support future randomized controlled trials of topical cannabinoids in FM.”

This latest study in Spain builds on prior research focused on fibromyalgia and cannabis, including a study in the United Kingdom, where a team of investigators affiliated with various academic and health institutions researched the topic.

“This study found that cannabis-based medicinal products were associated with short to medium-term improvements in pain, anxiety, sleep, and general quality-of-life in patients with fibromyalgia.” the researchers stated about their findings in the journal Clinical Rheumatology.