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Cannabis For Chronic Pain Relief - Patient Stories and Studies

Creation date: Feb 7, 2024 3:34am     Last modified date: Feb 7, 2024 3:34am   Last visit date: Nov 30, 2024 6:19pm
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Feb 7, 2024  ( 1 post )  
2/7/2024
3:34am
Ann A (gojof21778)

Cannabis for Chronic Pain Relief Patient Stories and Studies

 

Cannabis is a plant containing chemicals called cannabinoids. These interact with endocannabinoid receptors in both the brain and body to control pain relief, among other benefits.

Studies indicate that cannabis can help relieve pain symptoms for adults; however, further investigations and long-term safety data is required before making a final decision on cannabis therapy. Therefore, it's wise to discuss this option with your physician.

Symptoms

Research suggests that cannabis can significantly ease neuropathic pain (pain caused by nerve damage). Indica strains tend to enhance energy and appetite while sativa varieties alleviate nausea. Studies on cannabis often focus on two key components for relieving pain: cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain for psychoactive effects while CBD may interact with pain receptors to produce anti-inflammatory benefits.

Cannabis is not FDA-approved medication; therefore experts advise starting small and increasing dosage gradually in order to minimize any possible side effects. Furthermore, patients should discuss cannabis with their healthcare provider in order to ensure it's appropriate based on their medical history and medications they currently take.

Treatment

Cannabis West Coast Bud may not be a cure for pain, but it can help those living with chronic illnesses manage their symptoms and improve quality of life while recovering some sense of identity that disease has taken from them.

Studies have revealed that oral products containing high ratios of THC-CBD might provide short-term chronic pain relief. However, such products could also cause side effects like dizziness and drowsiness and experts advise starting out slowly before gradually increasing dosage levels.

Pharmaceutical cannabis products such as nabiximols or dronabinol can also provide relief, with studies having demonstrated its efficacy for chronic pain conditions for short periods. Studies are still needed to ascertain long-term safety and tolerance; furthermore, such medications are not advisable for patients who have an addiction history; opioids are another powerful option which attach directly to opioid receptors in the brain and reduce pain signals; however they have severe side effects which must also be considered before making decisions about whether opioids will work for each condition individually.

Side Effects

Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), two of the primary compounds present in cannabis for pain relief, have been widely researched. Studies on these substances have demonstrated their ability to alleviate nausea, increase appetite and ease muscle spasms as well as boost mood and combat fatigue.

Although cannabis' pain-relieving abilities may seem promising, medical professionals must carefully consider its possible side effects, which could include dizziness and sedation. A recent Annals of Internal Medicine study demonstrated that cannabis could provide short-term improvements for chronic pain conditions; however, its efficacy may not match that of opioid medications.

Study participants included adults living with chronic pain in states that had legalized cannabis for medicinal use. About three in ten of those surveyed indicated that cannabis use was associated with reduced usage of prescription opioids, non-opioid prescriptions and over-the-counter medication as well as an increase in physical therapy sessions, meditation sessions and cognitive behavioral therapy treatments.

Prevention

Studies have demonstrated that cannabis can provide relief to some individuals; however, this remedy should not be seen as an absolute cure for chronic pain; there may also be risks involved before considering cannabis as a possible solution.

Cannabinoids found in marijuana interact with our own endocannabinoid system to alter nerve signals that cause pain and alter brain activity. Two prominent cannabinoids include THC and CBD.

Other components found within cannabis plants, like terpenes, have also been shown to ease symptoms of pain and anxiety. Research indicates that products containing an increased ratio of THC-CBD tend to be most effective at alleviating discomfort.

Medical professionals must carefully consider the potential benefits and side effects of cannabis for patients, such as dizziness and drowsiness, before prescribing cannabis-infused medication to relieve pain. Combining cannabis with pain medications increases your risk of side effects or less effectiveness; consult your physician before doing this as taking these together can increase addiction risks or cause overdoses.