Medicinal Cannabis for Chronic Pain

CBD has been shown to improve about 25% of people with chronic pain by itself, and a further 50% may be helped by combining CBD and THC.

Some of the pain symptoms that CBD oil and medicinal cannabis may support include:

• Complex regional pain syndrome
• Injury-related pain
• Shoulder and neck pain
• Neurogenic pain (caused by damage to nerves)
• Muscle spasms
• Inflammation

Some early studies have suggested that CBD may alter how someone experiences pain, but more thorough research is required in this area. CBD oil is a full-body treatment as it brings the body back into homeostasis or balance, so whilst not directly targeted back pain, it may provide a general sense of relaxation and pain reduction.

The psychoactive ingredient in cannabis known as THC may also help with pain management. Although CBD doesn’t typically have an intoxicating effect, research indicates that it may also assist reduce arthritis symptoms. Both of these cannabinoids, albeit in distinct ways, have promise for reducing pain. Arthritic conditions where symptoms may be improved include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

Cannabinoids may reduce nausea and neuropathic pain, according to new research. In a 2010 study on people with cancer pain who weren’t responding to conventional opioid medications, researchers found that combining CBD and THC helped to significantly reduce pain – 43% of patients reported a 30% or greater improvement. Cancer and cancer treatments have been demonstrated to lower appetite, although CBD may counter this effect. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects of CBD may also help cancer-related pain symptoms.

Endometriosis is one of the most common reasons why our Clinic patients are prescribed medicinal cannabis. By using either CBD oil, or a combination of both CBD and THC, the inflammation and pain symptoms associated with endometriosis may be significantly improved. Some sufferers have advised us that it relieves their symptoms more effectively than other over-the-counter or prescription medications.

CBD oil contains anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce tension and anxiety which sometimes reduces the frequency of migraines. It may also reduce the pain associated with a migraine. By using a starting point of CBD oil daily to help prevent migraines, and a THC containing product at the start of an attack, medicinal cannabis has been an effective treatment for migraine sufferers at the Clinic.

In a study at the University of Colorado, 121 participants used cannabis daily to stave off migraine attacks. About 40% reported a halving in the monthly frequency of their migraine attacks.

Fibromyalgia is a common condition that we see and treat at the Clinic. By using a combination of CBD oil and THC, we may be able reduce the intensity and flares of pain symptoms.

One recent large observational study of 367 patients looked at how cannabis affects fibromyalgia patients. 80% of patients experienced improvements in sleep and depression. There were also significant improvements for general wellbeing and pain.

Everybody has an endocannabinoid system (ECS), which comprises endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes.

The endocannabinoid receptors in your body receive signals, and your cells respond to these signals. The response in the endocannabinoid system from CBD consumption may lead to anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects that can help manage pain symptoms.

A doctor should be consulted before utilising CBD oil or any other form of medicinal cannabis to treat chronic pain. They will evaluate your unique pain needs and talk to you about how CBD might be able to help. CBD can be used in various methods, including topical treatments, oils and capsules. Taking CBD as a tincture, sometimes referred to as taking CBD sublingually, involves putting a few drops of the substance under your tongue. Your tongue has many capillaries, which promote high levels of absorption.

Starting slowly is crucial when introducing CBD oil into your regimen, especially if you’ve never used CBD products before. Starting at 15-20mg daily, a reasonable CBD dosage for chronic pain should be used. When starting out with your CBD and medicinal cannabis treatments, it is best to start low and go slow.

Ultimately, the dosage required will depend on your body chemistry, weight, and pain severity, affecting how well the CBD oil works.

While each person will experience side effects differently, potential signs and symptoms include changes in appetite, nausea, dizziness, and diarrhoea. If you have any concerns about how CBD products can affect your use of painkillers, it’s a good idea to speak with your GP. Side effects can include:

• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Reduced appetite
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue

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