Using medical cannabis and alternative methods for chronic pain management.
It is estimated that around 21% of adults residing in the United States are dealing with chronic pain. Arthritis is the most common condition linked with chronic pain, with women aged 65 and older making up the majority of people who suffer from it. The total cost of treating this problem has surpassed $600 billion per year in the US, including expenses for doctor visits, treatments, and medications. Moreover, 8 out of 10 people who experience chronic pain also suffer from depression, and 1 out of 4 experience clinical insomnia.
Pain management experts often suggest using over-the-counter remedies like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen to relieve pain. However, these medications may have undesirable side effects, such as liver damage or gastrointestinal issues. Physical therapy is also recommended, but it may not be covered by insurance or only for a limited number of sessions. Joint pain can also be caused by obesity, but what if you are not overweight? What if you follow a healthy diet and maintain a healthy BMI but still suffer from arthritis? Sometimes, this could be due to a genetic predisposition, “Thanks, Mom and Dad”. In such a scenario, what are the available options?
Due to the opioid epidemic, many doctors are now cautious about prescribing oxycontin. The medication, which is highly addictive and potentially fatal, is no longer considered a safe option for chronic pain management.
Welcome to the world of alternative medicine! Many people are finding ways to relieve chronic pain conditions on their own or with the help of alternative practitioners and treatments.
Eastern medicine recommends alternative treatments like acupuncture and yoga for chronic pain relief as a substitute for surgery in many cases.
Many individuals also seek relief from chronic pain through methods such as chiropractic care, supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin, and distraction techniques such as music therapy, guided imagery, hypnosis, and massage.
Dr. Stephen P. Cohen, an associate professor in the Division of Pain Medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD, has found compelling evidence that marijuana or cannabis can have a beneficial impact on specific types of chronic nerve pain commonly found in patients with MS and HIV.
The use of medical and recreational cannabis is becoming more widespread in the United States, with 41 states now offering programs for its use. Although there is still controversy surrounding its use, particularly among older generations and in fewer than 10 states, cannabis is increasingly being seen as an alternative method for pain relief. The question arises whether it can benefit those suffering from nerve pain related to arthritis.
While there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that cannabis can completely cure arthritis, there are indications that it could be beneficial in managing pain or offering relief to those suffering from chronic pain. THC and CBD are cannabinoids that activate receptors and regulate the central nervous system, easing nerve pain. This can be done without the risk of overdose or death, an all-too-common problem with opioid use.
Additionally, cannabis strains can induce a calming effect, which helps alleviate insomnia and chronic pain.
Indica strains are often sought for pain management due to their relaxing, sedating, and pain-relieving effects, making them a suitable category for pain relief among the hundreds of cannabis strains available in the US market.
Living in a state where cannabis is legal, either for recreational or medical use, can provide relief for people with chronic nerve pain, insomnia, or depression. If you live in one of them, you can consult with a local dispensary, "budtender," for recommendations on which Indica strain of cannabis can best alleviate your symptoms. While popular strains like Grandaddy Purple, Ice Cream Cake, and Purple Punch are widely used, many other strains are available, including mixed or hybrid varieties that can provide better relief for chronic pain sufferers. With the world of medical cannabis now expanding in the US, it's worth exploring the different options available to find the one that works best for you.
While cannabis has its benefits, it can have side effects such as dry mouth or eyes and increased appetite. Make sure to keep eye drops and a jug of water nearby, and avoid temptation by hiding unhealthy snacks like donuts and chips!
If smoking or burning cannabis is just not your thing, there are numerous alternative methods to administer cannabis that do not involve smoking, vaping, or inhaling, such as edibles, tinctures, patches, balms, creams, sublingual, and suppositories.
As Eastern medicine and alternative treatments gain acceptance in mainstream Western medicine, patients have more options to choose from in managing pain or chronic conditions. If you're uncertain whether alternative medicine or medical cannabis is suitable for you, consult with your MD.
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board