One key ECS functions is maintaining balance (“homeostasis”) in various bodily systems, and we’re learning how the phytocannabinoids in cannabis can help correct system imbalances by augmenting the body’s supply of the endocannabinoids the ECS needs for optimal functioning.
Dr. Ethan Russo, a leading medicinal cannabis researcher is theorizing that many systemic conditions with a wide variety of symptoms, then, e.g., fibromyalgia – and other conditions common in fibromyalgia sufferers like migraine headaches, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and more – may be caused by “Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency” (CED).
Excerpts:
“In 2014, a survey of more than 1,300 fibromyalgia patients by the National Pain Foundation and National Pain Report found medical marijuana is more effective than Lyrica, Cymbalta or Savella, the three drugs approved by the FDA to treat the disorder.
…actual research is still scant. Cannabis remains a schedule I controlled substance, making it difficult for researchers to study the plant’s pain-relieving properties. To date, there have been less than a handful of small studies. Most of those have shown it to be beneficial, especially for pain relief.
But why does cannabis seem to work so well? Dr. Russo believes fibromyalgia’s multifaceted symptoms may be caused by a deficiency in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a condition he calls Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CED).
Maybe the reason cannabis is so effective is because it’s simply supplementing what the body needs – similar to how people take a supplement to treat vitamin D or B12 deficiency.
Russo explores the evidence behind his hypothesis in a soon-to-be published review entitled, ‘Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Reconsidered: Current Research Supports the Theory in Migraine, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel and other Treatment-Resistant Syndromes.’ While his idea is still theoretical, there is some early research indicating he may be onto something.”
There’s MUCH more about what Dr. Russo may be onto in this (highly recommended) article….
TRUCE: The more you know….
#MMJ #Research #Fibro #IBS #Migraine #UTpol #TRUCE
http://ift.tt/2rAxXyk
See full article – Endocanabinoid Deficiency Leads to Fibromyalgia. National Pain Foundation Survey
