CHRONIC PAIN:
Treating Pain with Medical Marijuana
What is Chronic Pain?
While acute pain comes and goes, chronic pain is a condition that remains over a long period of time. As a result, it can have a tremendous impact on quality of life. Pain signals keep firing in the nervous system for weeks, months, even years. There may have been an initial injury, but some people suffer chronic pain in the absence of any past injury or evidence of body damage.
Marijuana and Chronic Neck or Back Pain
Research has found that up to 97% of medical marijuana patients use the product to treat chronic pain. Additionally, medical marijuana has been found to be one of the safest methods of treating chronic pain. When it comes to pain, research indicates that neuropathy and cancer related pains have seen the best success with treating the condition using medical marijuana. Additionally, medical cannabis has been shown to improve muscle spasms, particularly in those suffering from multiple sclerosis.
What Does Medical Marijuana Do For Chronic Pain?
Cannabinoids, when processed by the human body, have tremendous effects on some of the body’s more important functions: hunger, mood, energy, inflammation, and even pain. One of the reasons more and more patients experiencing chronic pain are turning to Medical Marijuana in Florida is that medical cannabis is shown to regulate the sensation of pain throughout all stages of pain processing by the body. The endocannabinoid system in the human body is able to produce analgesic effects by stimulating what are known as the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
CB1 receptors are located in the central and peripheral nervous systems. These receptors have control over not only neurotransmission of pain throughout the body, but emotional pain as well. CB2 receptors can be found in the body’s immune cells and also help to regulate and minimize pain.
Can Marijuana Replace Opioids?
In a recent study in which 3,000 medical marijuana patients were polled, about ⅓ stated they had used opioids for pain the the past 6 months. The majority affirmed that marijuana provided equal relief, without the negative side effects. In fact, 97% of those polled indicated that they were able to take less opioids thanks to medical marijuana, with another 81% stating that marijuana by itself was more effective at managing pain than cannabis combined with opioids.
Possible Side Effects of Medical Marijuana
As with any other medication, consult with your prescribing medical cannabis doctor for delivery method, dosing, and other recommendations to give you the most relief. Millions of individuals have had tremendous success treating pain with medical marijuana. Side-effects are possible and can include decreased blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, and increased heart rate. If you are experiencing these side effects, consult with your prescribing physician immediately. Medical Marijuana has also been known to alter the effects of other medications, especially sedatives, so always let your doctor know of any other medications you may be taking.
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If you or a loved one suffers from chronic pain and are interested in how medical marijuana may be able to help you, take our qualification survey and schedule an appointment today!
