Chronic Pain And Cannabis: What You Want To Know As A Person Living With Pain
For many years, the primary prescription for people with chronic pain has been some type of drug in the opioid family. However, the recent relaxation of marijuana laws in some states has allowed a lot of research into how medical cannabis can help people who suffer with chronic pain. If you are one of these people, the idea that there is something new and less dangerous that could help you deal with your plight is bound to be intriguing. Take a look at a few of the most common queries about medical cannabis and chronic pain and the answers you will want to know as a person living in pain.
How is cannabis effective for relieving chronic pain?
Cannabis has the ability to help with chronic pain because it affects nerve sensations and the way pain is perceived. At least one researcher has even suggested that cannabis relieves pain because it changes the way the nerves function in general. Unlike many other types of pain medication in the opioid family, cannabis works with the nervous system more like an analgesic.
What types of chronic pain conditions could be treated with medical cannabis?
Even though the research into what conditions could be treatable with medical cannabis is still in its early stages, there is initial promise that this could be an effective form of treatment for an array of chronic pain conditions. A few examples of chronic pain that could be helped with medical cannabis include:
- pain related to nerve damage caused by surgery
- neuropathy and diabetic nerve pain
- chronic pain caused by certain illnesses and diseases, such as cancer
- chronic back pain relative to degenerative disc disease and spinal cord injuries
What are the advantages of medical cannabis over opioids for chronic pain?
Pretty much all pain medications in the opioid family come with risks and side effects that can be quite worrisome. For example, many opioids are highly addictive and some create serious threats to other bodily systems and organs with long-term use. In states where medical cannabis has been legalized for patients who struggle with chronic pain, the number of opioid addictions and overdoses are falling. Medical cannabis, on the other hand, comes with fewer risks of addiction and is proving to be a safer option for many people who suffer with chronic pain and need to be medicated on a daily basis. Be sure to consult with your doctor to determine if medical cannabis is right for you.