Medical Marijuana and Fibromyalgia
What is Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia can be characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain of varying degrees. It is believed that this fibromyalgia affects the way your brain processes pain signals, thereby amplifying painful sensations. This pain is often accompanied by fatigue, insomnia, depression and memory issues. Some patients also suffer from tension headaches and irritable bowel syndrome. According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, it is believed that over 10 million individuals in the USA are affected by this disorder and approximately 3-6% of the world population1. As one of the most common chronic pain disorders, fibromyalgia is more prevalent in women with 75-90% of patients falling into this category2, however it can also affect men and children. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not known; some patients experience symptoms after a physical trauma such as surgery or infection, or psychological stress. It is also believed that individuals may have a genetic predisposition to the condition. However, it can also develop over time with no identifiable trigger.
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http://www.fmaware.org/about-fibromyalgia/prevalence/ http://www.fmaware.org/about-fibromyalgia/prevalence/