Living with Fibromyalgia: How Natural Pain Relief Can Support You
Written by Dr. Khosa | GP & Pain Management | A registered physician in Ireland
Introduction: Living with a Life of Pain
Living with fibromyalgia isn’t just about coping with pain—it’s about managing an entire cascade of symptoms that can affect your body, mind, and overall quality of life. As a GP, I’ve seen the toll this condition takes on patients: the constant muscle aches, poor sleep, brain fog, fatigue, and the mental strain of having to “push through” daily life. Unfortunately, many people struggle to find long-term relief, especially from standard medications that may cause side effects or only offer partial relief.
This is why more individuals are turning to natural pain relief options, including topical treatments. In this blog, we’ll explore how natural topical solutions—including hemp-based creams and oils—may help ease fibromyalgia symptoms, and why they’re growing in popularity as an alternative support option.
What is Fibromyalgia? A Complex, Often Misunderstood Condition
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness, usually accompanied by fatigue, poor sleep, memory issues, and sensitivity to pressure. Although it affects both men and women, it’s more common in women, particularly between the ages of 30 and 60.
Common Symptoms Include:
• Chronic muscle and joint pain
• Extreme fatigue, even after a full night’s sleep
• “Fibro fog” – cognitive difficulties and memory lapses
• Sensitivity to cold, heat, noise, and even light touch
• Digestive issues, including IBS
• Anxiety or low mood related to chronic discomfort
The cause isn’t fully understood, but it's thought to involve how the brain processes pain signals, possibly linked to an imbalance of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, as well as heightened nervous system sensitivity.
Why Natural Pain Relief is Growing in Demand
Many patients with fibromyalgia become frustrated with the limited relief offered by prescribed medications. Common treatments like antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and painkillers may help some—but they also come with side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or gastrointestinal issues. For those who want a more holistic approach, natural alternatives provide a valuable complement—or in some cases, a replacement.
Key Benefits of Natural Topical Pain Relief:
• Targeted application directly to painful areas
• Minimal systemic side effects, unlike oral medications
• Can be used alongside other therapies
• Often enriched with anti-inflammatory and muscle-soothing ingredients
These are among the reasons why topical solutions like Vitalive’s hemp-based creams and massage oils are being explored more widely as supportive care options for fibromyalgia.
How Can Topical Products Help with Fibromyalgia Pain?
While fibromyalgia is thought to involve central nervous system sensitisation, many sufferers still experience muscular tension, joint stiffness, and nerve sensitivity in specific areas. Applying a topical product allows for localised relief, particularly in areas like the shoulders, lower back, neck, and thighs.
Common pain-related fibromyalgia issues topical creams may help:
• Morning stiffness in large muscle groups
• Localised “trigger points” or pressure-sensitive areas
• Neck and shoulder tension contributing to tension-type headaches
• Menstrual pain, which often worsens in those with fibromyalgia
• Muscle spasms during flare-ups
Ingredients Often Used in Natural Creams:
• Hemp seed oil – rich in omega fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties
• Arnica – traditionally used to reduce swelling and bruising
• Lavender – promotes relaxation and better sleep
• Menthol or camphor – creates a cooling or warming sensation that can desensitise nerve endings
• Turmeric extract (curcumin) – antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Products like Vitalive’s Triple Action Hemp Cream and Lavender Hemp Massage Oil incorporate many of these ingredients, offering both soothing effects and muscle relaxation.
Why Fibromyalgia Pain Feels Different – And How That Affects Relief Strategies
Pain in fibromyalgia is not purely physical. Brain imaging studies show increased activation in areas responsible for pain processing. That means the brain may amplify pain signals, even without visible inflammation or injury.
What this means for treatment:
• Traditional anti-inflammatories may not always work alone
• A multimodal approach—including lifestyle, topical treatments, gentle exercise, and mental health support—is often more effective
• Relaxation and calming topical products can help lower stress responses, which are known to worsen fibromyalgia symptoms
The Role of Stress, Sleep and Hormones in Pain Sensitivity
Stress and poor-quality sleep are among the most common triggers for fibromyalgia flare-ups. Many patients describe waking up feeling unrefreshed, with body pain that worsens throughout the day. Others report that hormonal shifts (e.g. menstrual cycles) worsen symptoms—highlighting why topical products targeting period cramps and tension headaches are increasingly relevant.
Supporting Sleep and Stress Naturally:
• Evening massage using calming products, such as a hemp-lavender oil, can help relax the nervous system
• Incorporating night-time topical applications (e.g. warming creams or soothing oils) may support better rest
• Stress reduction, through routines like self-massage, breathwork, and stretching, can work in tandem with topical pain relief
Period Pain and Fibromyalgia: An Overlooked Link
Many women with fibromyalgia experience worse menstrual pain, bloating, and mood swings.
This is likely due to the heightened sensitivity to pain caused by central sensitisation. Pain from menstrual cramps can “overlap” with existing fibromyalgia symptoms, making it feel more severe.
Topical creams and balms, especially those with warming effects or calming herbs, can help reduce this discomfort—especially when applied to the lower abdomen, thighs, or lower back.
Commonly searched queries this section targets:
• “Can fibromyalgia make period pain worse?”
• “How to relieve menstrual cramps naturally?”
• “Topical cream for period and fibromyalgia pain”
• “Fibromyalgia and hormone pain management”
Where Can Topical Relief Be Most Effective?
Different people experience fibromyalgia in different ways, but some regions are commonly painful and respond well to topical products:
| Body Area | Suggested Topical Solution |
|---|---|
| Neck & shoulders | Fast-absorbing hemp cream for muscle tightness |
| Lower back | Warming balm or massage oil |
| Knees & joints | Anti-inflammatory hemp cream or balm |
| Abdomen (menstrual) | Calming lavender-infused cream or oil |
| Feet & calves | Massage oil to reduce tension from standing fatigue |
When it comes to fibromyalgia, pain often arises not from damaged tissues but from dysregulated pain signalling in the central nervous system. However, that doesn't mean topical products are ineffective. In fact, several studies show that peripheral interventions—like creams, balms, and oils—can provide localised relief, especially in muscles, joints, and trigger points
A growing body of research supports the idea that topical analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents can help manage chronic pain conditions:
• A 2020 review in Frontiers in Pharmacology highlighted that topical cannabinoids and hemp-derived products may influence pain receptors in the skin (e.g., TRPV1), which are involved in neuropathic and muscular pain.
• A small 2019 trial found that topical CBD-enriched creams helped reduce muscle and joint pain in patients with chronic pain syndromes—suggesting topical hemp-based products may support fibromyalgia management.
Why this matters for fibromyalgia:
• Fibromyalgia sufferers often experience myofascial pain and tender points.
• Topical relief avoids systemic side effects of oral medications.
• Many patients prefer gentle, non-invasive options for day-to-day relief.
Which Types of Fibromyalgia Pain Respond Best to Topical Products?
While fibromyalgia pain is widespread and diffuse, certain symptoms respond particularly well to topical support—especially those with a musculoskeletal component.
Topical relief may work best for:
• Morning stiffness in muscles or joints
• Tension-type headaches stemming from neck/shoulder tightness
• Menstrual-related pain in lower back and abdomen
• Localised burning or tingling sensations (peripheral neuropathy)
• Trigger points – knots in muscle that create radiating pain
If your pain is widespread and deep, topical relief might not be enough on its own—but when used strategically, it can offer targeted support, especially during flare-ups or at the end of the day.
When to Use (and Avoid) Topical Products
While natural topical pain relief is safe for most people, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are times when you should consult your GP or physiotherapist before using new topical therapies.
Use topical creams and oils when:
• You want to target specific painful areas
• You’re managing headaches or muscle stiffness
• You need a gentle alternative to oral medication
• You're building a self-care or relaxation routine
Avoid or seek medical advice if:
• You have broken skin, rashes, or skin conditions
• You’re pregnant or breastfeeding (some ingredients may not be suitable)
• The pain is new, sudden, or worsening rapidly
• You suspect an underlying inflammatory or autoimmune condition that hasn’t been diagnosed
Building a Natural Pain Relief Routine
For many people with fibromyalgia, consistency is key. A successful pain relief plan often involves daily habits that help soothe symptoms before they escalate.
A simple daily routine might include:
| Time of Day | Suggested Support |
|---|---|
| Morning | Apply Vitalive Triple Action Hemp Cream to stiff areas to loosen muscles |
| Midday | Gentle stretching, walking, or light movement |
| Evening | Use Vitalive Lavender Hemp Massage Oil on shoulders, back, or legs to reduce tension |
| Before Bed | Take magnesium, drink calming tea, enjoy a warm bath |
This approach addresses both muscular tension and nervous system sensitivity, offering a more holistic strategy for managing chronic pain."
🧬 Supplements, Diet & Hydration for Chronic Pain
While this blog focuses on topical relief, internal health is just as essential when managing fibromyalgia. Many patients experience noticeable improvements when they also address nutritional and lifestyle factors:
✅ Recommended Additions:
-
Magnesium and Vitamin D supplementation
-
Omega-3 fatty acids to combat inflammation
-
Turmeric or ginger for natural anti-inflammatory effects
-
Limit processed foods, refined sugars, and excessive caffeine
-
Stay hydrated — even mild dehydration can increase pain sensitivity
🔍 Always speak with your GP or a qualified nutritionist before starting any new supplements—especially if you’re taking medication.
👩⚕️ GP Final Advice: Don’t Suffer in Silence
“Fibromyalgia is real. Your pain is valid. And you deserve support.” – Dr. Khosa
As a GP, I encourage you to explore safe, supportive options. Natural topical products like hemp-based balms and creams won’t cure fibromyalgia—but they can ease pain, improve rest, and support your daily function without medication side effects.
Managing fibromyalgia is a long-term journey. The key is consistency: small, daily efforts that add up over time—like self-massage, sleep hygiene, stress reduction, and nutrition.
🔟 Top 10 FAQs on Natural Fibromyalgia Pain Relief
Can hemp cream help with fibromyalgia pain?
Yes. It may ease muscle aches and stiffness, with minimal skin irritation.What is the best natural pain relief for fibromyalgia?
Hemp creams, magnesium, warm baths, and low-impact movement are top options.How do I relieve trigger point pain naturally?
Use warming balm, self-massage, and gentle stretching on pressure points.Is hemp balm safe for daily use?
Yes, Vitalive Hemp Balm is designed for 2–4 daily applications to problem areas.Can lavender oil help with fibromyalgia?
Absolutely—lavender promotes calm, eases tension, and supports better sleep.Do topical creams help nerve pain?
They may reduce tingling or burning sensations, depending on your pain type.Where should I apply hemp cream?
Focus on the neck, shoulders, back, thighs, knees, or abdomen for menstrual pain.Can I combine cream and oil?
Yes. Apply cream for deep relief, then layer oil for massage and relaxation.Are topicals enough for managing fibromyalgia?
They’re most effective when part of a broader care routine—movement, diet, therapy.What’s the difference between hemp cream and balm?
Creams absorb quickly—ideal for mornings. Balms offer thicker, long-lasting relief for evenings.
🌼 Final Word: Supporting Fibromyalgia Naturally
Living with fibromyalgia isn’t easy—but natural, topical relief options give you control over how you support your body day-to-day. From fast-absorbing morning creams to relaxing massage oils at night, Vitalive empowers you to build a gentle, consistent self-care plan.
Explore our expert-recommended hemp-based range and find what works best for your rhythm and recovery.
✅ Vitalive Hemp Cream Triple Action
✅ Vitalive Hemp Balm Natural Max Strength
✅ Vitalive Lavender or Enchanted Roses Massage Oil