How Medical Cannabis Helps Manage Chronic Pain: Insights from Healthcare Professionals

Chronic pain is a type of pain that lasts a long time, usually more than three months. It can make it hard to do everyday activities and enjoy life. Many people use strong medicines like opioids to help with this pain, but they can be risky and lead to problems. Recently, some people have tried medical cannabis or medical marijuana as a new way to help with chronic pain. This blog talks about how cannabis might help people feel better.

Key Takeaways

Understanding Chronic Pain: Chronic pain lasts for more than three months and can be caused by conditions like arthritis or old injuries. It often affects daily activities and mental health.

Medical Cannabis as an Alternative: Medical cannabis, especially CBD and THC, can help manage chronic pain by interacting with the body’s pain and mood regulation system, offering a safer alternative to opioids.

Pain Relief: Cannabis can relieve pain in various ways, such as topicals and oral consumption, providing relief without the risks of opioids.

Reduction of Inflammation: CBD can help reduce inflammation in conditions like arthritis, which not only reduces pain but can also prevent further joint damage.

Improved Sleep: Cannabis can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and increase daytime clarity by helping users sleep better and feel more rested.

Enhanced Mood and Mental Health: Cannabis can improve mood and mental health by reducing stress, which is often a problem for people with chronic pain. 

Appetite Stimulation: It can also help increase appetite, as chronic pain can make it hard to eat well.

Increased Mobility and Flexibility:  Cannabis can ease muscle stiffness and make it easier to move for those dealing with chronic pain.

Safety Considerations: While medical cannabis is generally safer than opioids, side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, or appetite changes may occur, especially with higher doses.

Professional Guidance is Key: Consulting with a healthcare provider before using medical cannabis ensures safe and effective treatment customized to individual needs.

Is It Right for You?: If traditional pain treatments have not worked or if you’re concerned about opioids, medical cannabis might be an option, but it’s essential to consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider for proper guidance.

What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is when someone feels pain for a long time, even with help from medical marijuana doctors. Unlike regular pain, which happens when you get hurt, chronic pain doesn’t go away. Many things can cause it, like arthritis or old injuries. Chronic pain can make people feel sad or worried and can make life less enjoyable.

Finding suitable treatments for chronic pain can be challenging. Some people use opioids, but they can be very risky and make people addicted. Because of this, some people are looking at medical marijuana as a safer option for relief.

How Medical Cannabis Helps Manage Chronic Pain

Medical cannabis has important parts called cannabinoids, like CBD and THC. These parts work with a body system that helps control pain and mood. By acting on this system, cannabinoids can help reduce pain.

1. Pain Relief

Alternative to Opioids: Cannabis can help people who want to avoid strong pain medicines that can be dangerous.

Varied Effectiveness: Different people may feel different effects from THC and CBD. Sometimes, using both together works better for specific pain.

Topical Treatments: There are creams and lotions with cannabis that can help with pain. You don’t have to eat them to feel better.

2. Reduction of Inflammation

Chronic Inflammatory Conditions: CBD can help people with problems like arthritis, stomach issues, and skin rashes feel less pain because it reduces swelling.

Prevention of Further Damage: It may also stop these problems from getting worse, which can help keep joints healthy and make it easier to move.

Long-term Benefits: Using CBD regularly might help people feel suitable for a long time by avoiding pain.

3. Improvement in Sleep

Reduction in Anxiety: Cannabis can help people with pain and anxiety. It makes it easier for them to relax and sleep.

Improved Sleep Quality: This not only helps people fall asleep but also enhances the quality of their sleep. As a result, they feel more refreshed and rested when they wake up.

Enhanced Daytime Clarity: People who use cannabis for sleep often say they feel more awake and clear-headed during the day.

4. Enhanced Mood and Mental Health

1. Stress Reduction: Cannabis can help alleviate stress, providing relief from the mental strain that often accompanies chronic pain.
2. Mood Stabilization: Regular cannabis use may help balance mood swings, reducing feelings of anxiety, frustration, and sadness caused by persistent pain.
3. Improved Emotional Well-being: By addressing both pain and emotional challenges, cannabis may help people feel more positive and emotionally balanced in their daily lives.

5. Appetite Stimulation

1. Combating Loss of Appetite: Chronic pain often causes people to lose their appetite, but cannabis can stimulate hunger, helping maintain a proper diet.
2. Prevention of Unhealthy Weight Loss: By boosting appetite, cannabis helps individuals with chronic pain avoid unintentional weight loss, ensuring they remain healthy.
3. Promotes Better Nutritional Intake: Increased appetite can lead to improved food consumption, which is vital for individuals managing chronic pain and maintaining their strength.

6. Increased Mobility and Flexibility

1. Relieving Stiffness: Cannabis, particularly CBD, can help reduce muscle stiffness and improve flexibility, making movement easier for people with chronic pain.
2. Pain Relief for Movement: By managing pain, cannabis allows individuals to engage in physical activities more comfortably, increasing mobility.
3. Supporting Joint Health: Cannabis may help with joint pain and inflammation, improving mobility and overall quality of life for those with chronic pain conditions.

Is Medical Cannabis Safe?

Medical cannabis can have some side effects, but they are usually not as bad as those from more potent pain medicines. Some common side effects are dry mouth, dizziness, appetite changes, and trouble thinking clearly. These side effects happen more with higher amounts or specific ways of using cannabis.

A medical marijuana practitioner will often start with lower doses to help avoid these problems. They check how patients are doing and change the quantity if needed, ensuring the sound effects are better than bad ones. If you’re eligible, obtaining a medical marijuana card can provide access to regulated cannabis products under professional guidance.

The Importance of Professional Guidance

Before using medical cannabis for chronic pain, it’s essential to talk to a medical marijuana doctor. They can assess your specific situation and suggest the correct type of cannabis, whether it’s THC-dominant, CBD-dominant, or a mix of both. The provider can also help you find the proper dosage to relieve pain while reducing side effects.

Your healthcare experts will keep track of your progress over time and make any necessary changes to ensure the treatment stays effective and safe. If you’re unsure about trying cannabis, discussing the benefits and risks with your doctor is a good first step.

Personalized Treatment Plans: 

A healthcare provider can create a personalized treatment plan that suits your medical history, condition, and pain management needs, ensuring better results.

Monitoring Side Effects: 

Doctors can help track any side effects from cannabis use, adjusting the dosage or type of cannabis to minimize negative effects while maintaining pain relief.

Comprehensive Care: 

A healthcare provider can ensure cannabis therapy is integrated with other treatments, making it part of a holistic approach to managing chronic pain.

Understanding Potential Interactions: 

It’s important to discuss any other medications you’re taking with your doctor, as cannabis can interact with other drugs. A healthcare provider can help avoid any harmful interactions.

Legal and Safe Use: 

A healthcare provider can guide you on the legalities of medical cannabis use in your area, ensuring you’re using it safely and legally.

Is Medical Cannabis Right for You?

Medical cannabis can help some people with chronic pain. If traditional pain treatments haven’t worked for you. If you are worried about using opioids, medical marijuana for cancer or medical marijuana for PTSD might be a good choice. It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider who knows about cannabis therapy to see if it’s right for you.

Research shows that medical cannabis can be effective in managing chronic pain, but everyone’s needs are different. A medical marijuana doctor can ensure you receive the best treatment for your needs.

Conclusion

Medical cannabis can help people with long-lasting pain feel better. It has fewer risks than regular pain medicine like opioids. Cannabis works in the body to reduce pain and help with sleep. Talking to a doctor before using it to ensure it’s safe.

If you want to learn more about using medical marijuana for pain, click here to apply. Our team of medical marijuana doctors can help you find the best care for your needs.