Breaking the Stigma: How Medicinal Cannabis Can Help Treat Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that is estimated to affect around 15.5 million people in the UK. It is defined as pain that lasts for longer than 12 weeks and can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, surgery or underlying medical conditions.
Chronic pain can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, leading to difficulty with daily activities and impacting mental health. Fortunately, there is growing evidence that medical cannabis can help alleviate the symptoms of chronic pain.
What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is a complex condition that can be difficult to manage. It can manifest in many ways, including dull or sharp pain, burning sensations and muscle aches. Chronic pain can occur in any part of the body and can be caused by a variety of underlying medical conditions, including arthritis and nerve damage. The pain can be continuous or intermittent and can significantly affect a person’s ability to function on a daily basis.
How can medical cannabis help?
There is increasing research to suggest medical cannabis can offer significant relief for people suffering from chronic pain. It works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating pain, mood, appetite, and sleep. Here are some ways in which medical cannabis can help alleviate chronic pain:
- Inflammation reduction
Medical cannabis has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the body. This can be especially helpful for people with chronic pain caused by conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.
- Relief from pain
Medical cannabis has been found to be effective in reducing pain in people suffering from chronic pain. The cannabinoids found in cannabis, such as THC and CBD, interact with the body’s pain receptors, reducing the sensation of pain.
- Sleep improvement
People suffering from chronic pain often experience difficulty sleeping due to pain and discomfort. Medical cannabis has been found to improve sleep quality in patients suffering from chronic pain, allowing them to get the rest they need to function during the day.
- Anxiety and depression relief
Many people who suffer from chronic pain may experience feelings of anxiety or depression due to their medical condition. Anxiety and depression are common in people suffering from chronic pain as pain puts the body in a stress-state and medical cannabis has been found to alleviate these symptoms. It works by interacting with the body’s serotonin receptors, which regulate mood.
Breaking the stigma surrounding medical cannabis is crucial in providing a safe and effective treatment option for those suffering from chronic pain. If you are suffering from chronic pain and would like to discuss medical cannabis in more detail, contact The London Cannabis Clinic today.