People with Fibromyalgia are looking for alternatives, something that is safer in the long run. Several options are there, and they have their pros and cons. We are going to talk about Kratom’s use in the management of Fibromyalgia, the dosage you need, what possible herbs you can mix to achieve more potent effects. We will look at the various Kratom strains for Fibromyalgia pain management and what research has to say about the efficacy of this natural tree leaves.
Fibromyalgia: A Chronic Painful Experience
Fibromyalgia is a debilitating chronic condition that distorts your life if you do not manage it. The management of this painful condition involves several strategies. Most of which include very potent painkillers. These potent medications come with many side effects. Taking these medicines for prolonged periods is unhealthy and dangerous.
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes you to have pain all over your body. The cause is unknown, which makes it very frustrating for the patient. Musculoskeletal pain is accompanied by sleep disorders, fatigue, and mood issues. Research-based studies show that the problem could be triggered due to physical trauma. It could be due to any infection, or post-surgical. But most significantly, it is due to psychological stress. More women are prone to have this ailment as compared to men. As a syndrome with no specific cause, there’s no particular treatment either. Doctors usually prescribe medication for symptomatic treatment. This includes pain killers for muscular pain, tension, headaches, anxiety, depression, and bowel disorders.
Patients tend to live with this chronic condition for the entire lifetime. Anything could trigger it. So, for them, a treatment regimen with minimal side effects is essential. This means that they cannot rely on drugs; they must also go for exercise and muscle relaxation techniques.
You can also read about the best kratom strains for anxiety and stress here.
How Does Kratom Help With Fibromyalgia?
Kratom is an herbal plant from the Rubiaceae family. It is grown in the farmlands of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia. It was used by the farmers to gain strength and energy. Later on, the farmers discovered that it is a potent painkiller too. As a result of this discovery, it was introduced into the world of medicines. Kratom is also called Ketum, and scientifically it is known as Mitragyna Speciosa.
The pharmacological treatment for Fibromyalgia includes drugs like Gabapentin and Clonazepam which has numerous side effects. Most of all users developed dependence to these drugs. As a result of this, they started seeking options within the herbal supplements world.
According to pharmacological studies on Kratom, it contains several alkaloids and flavonoids. They are responsible for the effects of Kratom. The most potent alkaloids are Mitragynine and 7-hydroxyMitragynine. These alkaloids have an agonist action on the mu, delta, and kappa receptors present in the brain. When these alkaloids interact with their respective receptors, several changes occur in the neuronal axons. There is a release of neurotransmitters that promote mood elevation and analgesia. These neurotransmitters include dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and enkephalins.
The effect of these neurotransmitters is that they act on the suppression of pain pathways. Enkephalins and endorphins suppress pain from the muscles and other body parts. In Fibromyalgia this effect is very beneficial for the patient, as it doesn’t just suppress pain; it also helps you lift your mood. It reduces your stress levels, and thus you can get back to life and do the usual chores.
Patients with fibromyalgia have a weak analgesic system, due to lack of pain suppressing neurotransmitters. Also, they have a lower threshold for pain. This means they can easily get upset by any physical trigger. Kratom functions in a way that it promotes the release of pain suppressing neurotransmitters as well as mood elevating serotonin and dopamine.
Factors That Form The Basis Of Adequate Analgesia
The working of Kratom to produce analgesia depends on several factors. We have come across blogs saying that it is not useful for Fibromyalgia, while many recounts of patients strongly vouch for Kratom. So, considering this, we tried to figure out the various factors that play a significant role in Kratom’s efficacy. Research studies also back up most of these. Let’s have a look at them;
Percentage Of Alkaloid Content
The most potent alkaloids present in Speciosa are Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. The higher the percentage of these alkaloids, the more effective your Kratom strain is. Some Kratom strains are notable for their strength. They have more content of these alkaloids. According to research studies, Thai Kratom contains 66% Mitragynine. While Malaysian Kratom contains Mitragynine less than 15%. So, the variability of alkaloid content arises from the differences in the locality and climatic conditions.
The Kratom plants are grown in damp and humid regions. They need optimal rainfall, sunlight, and mineral-rich soil. Next, the percentage of alkaloids also depends on how you process Kratom leaves.
Some Ketum strains are forged, they contain other potent substances, while alkaloids’ contents are too low. Beware of such forgery.
The higher the content of these potent alkaloids in a Kratom strain, the better it is for the management of fibromyalgia.
Dosage Of Speciosa
One may think that all doses of Ketum are useful and provide analgesia; this isn’t true. Kratom provides analgesia at optimal dosage. Although due to lack of research, we do not have a standard dosage guideline, users have identified a strategy to combat this lack of awareness.
So, you need to start with a small dose always and then gradually increase your amount to find your sweet spot. The quantity that works for you with one Ketum strain might not work with other strain, because we already know that different strains have different effects and different alkaloid content.
Usually, users report that pain management in Fibromyalgia is possible at moderate to strong doses of Kratom powder. This is somewhere between 6-15 grams of Kratom, and we recommend that you take it in powder form. At smaller quantities, likely, you will not experience analgesia.
Body Mass Index
Ketum efficacy also depends on your overall physique and body mass index. If you have a higher body mass index, you will need a more significant Kratom dose to observe its effects. A lean person requires a relatively lesser quantity of Kratom to have adequate analgesia. The more you have fat content in your body, the more Kratom gets stored in the adipose tissue.
Severity Of Pain
This is one of the most crucial factors. The more severe your pain is, the more potent strain of Kratom you require. You’ll even need a greater dosage of Kratom. An example to make you understand is here. For a simple headache, even Paracetamol works, but for Migraine pain, you require stronger medication. When it comes to Fibromyalgia, the pain is of high intensity and crippling. To manage such pain, you do need effective analgesia.
Body Chemistry
Every individual has different body chemistry. Some individuals have a fast-basal metabolic rate, and thus they metabolize Ketum quickly and excrete it. In such individuals, the duration of action of Speciosa will be small. Those who have a slow basal metabolic rate, retain Kratom for more extended periods in their system. This mainly depends on your thyroid status and other hormonal profile.
A Look At The Meta-Analysis Of Various Studies About Kratom And Analgesia
Effective pain control is a therapeutic priority. And for this reason, many research studies have been conducted to find effective pain medicine. However, many of these medicines come with dangerous side effects. According to research studies, chronic pain of Fibromyalgia is still poorly managed as there are very few effective therapies. Thus, one should explore new options that include herbal medicine like Kratom.
Research says that Kratom is an excellent option to choose for Fibromyalgia, where other treatment modalities have failed or been a cause of intolerable side effects. Studies say that Mitragynine in the body is metabolized to the 7-OH group, which primarily acts as an agonist on the mu receptors. The 7-0H is the mediator of the analgesic activity. The action is brought about by a second messenger known as G-protein. This mechanism delivers the desired analgesia without any unwanted effects.
The 5 Best Types Of Kratom For Fibromyalgia
Here we bring a variety of Kratom for Fibromyalgia that are known to be useful to manage painful conditions especially musculoskeletal pain associated with Fibro. These Kratom strains are rare and newly introduced, so we recommend getting them from a reliable vendor.
Also, check out the 20+ top Kratom Strains which are very good for various conditions.
1. White Lombok Kratom
The Lombok Kratom comes from the Lombok island, which is another primary source of Kratom of Indonesia. It is a region with limited access, so you get an idea that people still haven’t discovered the Kratom crops here. The White Lombok strain is an essential strain from this island. It is known for its analgesic action and the calmness and relaxation that comes after analgesia.
Lombok Kratom is a high strength Speciosa strain; thus, you can expect small doses to produce immediate effects. For the pain management of Fibromyalgia, a quantity of 5 grams is quite sufficient.
With Lombok strains, always be very careful that you buy it from an authentic vendor. This is a very rare strain, and mostly you won’t find it. If you get access to it and use it, let us know how you felt.
2. Green Sulawesi Kratom
Green Sulawesi Kratom has analgesic properties, which have a positive impact on patients with chronic painful musculoskeletal conditions. This is a new and exciting strain of Kratom. Those who suffer from Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and other painful disorders have been using this brand new Kratom strain. It also helps with the management of anxiety and depression.
Sulawesi Kratom produces relaxation and allows you to have optimistic thoughts. This enables one with chronic debilitating conditions to overcome their pain and think positively. It has very minimal side effects, and this is why many users love it.
At low doses of Green Sulawesi, you will feel the stimulation. At moderate amounts, you will feel that your pain is subsiding and you are feeling better. A dose of 3-7 grams is helpful in the management of chronic pain of Fibromyalgia patients.
3. Red Sunda Island Kratom
Sunda Island is a small island in Southeast Asia that is known for its Kratom plantation. The Kratom from this island is very distinct in terms of its unique properties. It is a potent analgesic that comes with tinge sedation. It also produces mild euphoria that helps in the improvement of mood. The Red Sundanese Kratom is one of the most famous Kratom strains. Fibromyalgia patients report that not only manages their pain, but it also provides instant relaxation. It calms their nerves and gives them mental peace. It produces the well-being of the patient by making them happy and pain-free. It should be ideally taken at night so that you can have a good sleep too.
It should be taken in small doses as it is a very potent strain.
4. Red Malay Kratom
A prevalent strain, Red Malay Kratom functions to alleviate pain. If you are one of those who are suffering from chronic pain, who cannot proceed with daily life chores, who is having stress due to illness, or who have given up on treating their condition, then Red Malay Kratom is for you. It is one of the best strains of Kratom that eliminates pain from life. You can use it to recover from post-surgical pain or pain due to any trauma, and for Fibromyalgia as well.
There are user reports which claim that Red Malay is highly effective for pain management in Sciatica. A couple of grams can instantly take away your pain. The effects last for a long duration of time. You can take 4-5 grams of Red Malay for pain relief.
5. Red Borneo Kratom
Red Borneo is the most potent strain of Borneo Kratom. It acts as an analgesic agent and a mild sedative. It improves your energy levels and uplifts your mood. When it comes to Kratom’s best strains for pain relief, Red Borneo Kratom is listed amongst the top strains. It gives you long-lasting relief from pain without causing any unwanted effects. It is best for mild types of pain. Always take it in small doses to avoid getting tired or sleepy.
What Are The Different Types Of Pain For Which You Can Use Kratom?
Different strains of Kratom can be used for different types of pain. People have been using Speciosa powder to help them with chronically painful conditions like backaches, cancer-associated pain, neuropathic pain, Fibromyalgia, etc.
It has been particularly useful in the management of arthritis pain. Kratom not just diminishes pain but also helps in reducing inflammation that is a crucial feature of Arthritis.
Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder that is characterized by muscle spasms. This is a source of constant pain for the patients and thus deteriorates the quality of their life. Kratom reduces the spastic condition and the pain associated with it.
Takeaway
Mitragyna Speciosa no doubt has immense potential to be recognized as a potent painkiller in the medical world especially for the debilitating Fibromyalgia. This does require extensive research, but there shouldn’t be any bias in any of these studies. Kratom has the potential to take the place of highly toxic and dangerous medications that have the increasing potential for addiction. Kratom, on the other hand, when taken responsibly, does not have addiction potential. It also doesn’t have any dangerous adverse effects if taken as a single therapy.
The FDA regulations in place still do not recognize Kratom as a dietary supplement for pain management of Fibromyalgia. We urge the FDA to carry out thorough research to look deeper into Kratom’s potential as an analgesic substance.
If you are thinking of incorporating Kratom in your treatment for pain relief, we recommend talking to your doctor. Discuss your plan with your doctor and what is the appropriate dose for you and how you can safely take it. Remember that you can only take Kratom if it is legal in your state/country (check out the legal Kratom states here). Take Kratom responsibly and avoid getting into any trouble. Your health matters for us! You might have to avoid taking Kratom if you are taking benzodiazepines and other painkillers for Fibromyalgia.