The Role of Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia: An Evidence Based Review

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by generalized, chronic musculoskeletal pain of unknown etiology, with a high impact on quality of life and high consumption of health resources. Although there are no recommendations that support the use of opioids in fibromyalgia, they are widely used. Thus, there is a need to find pharmacological alternatives with a favorable risk-benefit profile. Cannabinoids are currently the subject of great scientific interest, in particular because of their potential analgesic effect.
METHODOLOGY: A literature search was carried out in PubMed, Cochrane, and NICE databases, of studies published in the last 5 years, using the MeSH terms: fibromyalgia, cannabinoids, and cannabis. To stratify the level of evidence and strength of recommendation, the SORT scale was used.
RESULTS: Nine articles were selected, including a guideline, four systematic reviews, two meta-analyses and a randomized clinical trial.
CONCLUSION: Cannabinoids have therapeutic potential as an adjunctive treatment for chronic pain.