Over the past twenty years, the cannabis plant, commonly often called marijuana, has been a subject of interest within the medical community. In some states, medical marijuana is already available for certain conditions. Its efficacy as a pain reliever has been well-established. Although cannabis is most frequently related to relieving cancer pain and lack of appetite, its analgesic qualities could prove promising for individuals with back pain, fibromyalgia and a lot of other chronic pain conditions.
How Does Cannabis Relieve Pain?
Very similar to the opioid receptor system within the body that enables endorphins to have their nice, pain-relieving effects, the body also has a cannabinoid receptor system. There are three sorts of cannabinoids: endocannabinoids (made by the body), phytocannabinoid (made by marijuana plants) and artificial cannabinoids produced in a laboratory.
The cannabis plant incorporates a lot of cannabinoids, each with its own qualities. The three most significant components for this discussion are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and beta-caryophyllene. THC is a gentle pain reliever and the primary psychoactive component of marijuana. CBD reduces spasms, inflammation, nausea and anxiety. Beta-caryophellene is a powerful anti-inflammatory cannabinoid, and is present in highest concentration in cannabis essential oils.
Research
Essentially the most recent theory on fibromyalgia suggests that the brains of its victims process pain abnormally, or that excessive pain signals are sent to the brain. Increasing the quantity of cannabinoids available to the body can assist to counteract the pain of fibrmyalgia. A small study, whose results were published within the April, 2011 issue of PLoS One, showed fibromyalgic cannabis users to report significant reductions in pain and stiffness. A full summary may be viewed at http://www.cannabis-med.org/studies/ww_en_db_study_show.php?s_id=319.
Chronic back pain often involves inflammation, muscle spasms and/or nerve pain. Cannabis has been shown to alleviate all of those symptoms, though studies into neuropathic pain relief have been most distinguished. A small study led by Mark Ware, MD, tested the results of cannabis with various THC potencies on pain relief. Those that received the best potency, 9.4%, reported significantly reduced pain. Read more about this study at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11110798.
Some sources estimate that street marijuana incorporates 10-15% THC, greater than needed for pain management. This may increasingly answer a crucial query for those considering medical marijuana: Do I actually have to get high? The reply isn’t any. Since THC is the primary psychoactive component in marijuana, reducing its levels and increasing the degrees of CBD will end in fewer psychological effects while still relieving pain. There are clinics in states that allow medical marijuana that supply strains of high-CBD, low-THC cannabis.
The Debate
Marijuana is assessed as a bootleg substance, which has created a stigma around it. Increasingly more, science is discovering the therapeutic effects of this plant, and even working to synthesize its cannabinoids within the lab. Until the security of the synthetic compounds is supported by solid evidence, nevertheless, referring to nature’s source is most advisable.
Some are concerned concerning the potential of dependence related to drugs. Nevertheless, many accepted prescriptions pain medications, including opioids, are highly addictive. Cannabis has actually been shown to limit opioid dependence. Other than habitual addiction, which is a priority with any medication, there is no such thing as a indication that cannabis poses dependency issues. A bunch of other damaging health effects related to common pain-killers, akin to stomach, kidney and liver damage, in addition to overdose, should not related to marijuana use.
The most well-liked approach to use for cannabis is smoking. Lung and throat irritation are valid concerns for people who find themselves considering medical marijuana for prolonged pain management. Further research is required to evaluate the efficacy of cannabis administered orally or through a ventilator.
As with every pain medication, cannabis shouldn’t be the cure for a painful condition. Fairly, it’s a great tool for pain management that needs to be used to temporarily alleviate symptoms while pursuing a treatment plan that attacks the source of your pain.
