How Medical Cannabis Can Help With Back Pain
Chronic back pain can be an incredibly debilitating and frustrating condition, leaving sufferers in constant discomfort. While there are many traditional treatments for back pain, such as physical therapy and medications, some individuals have found relief with an alternative treatment, medical cannabis. Let’s explore why medical cannabis may be beneficial for those suffering from back pain and related conditions.
What causes back pain?
Before we discuss the benefits of medical cannabis for back pain, let’s first take a look at what causes it. While there are several potential causes, the most frequent are muscular such as poor posture, muscle strain, injury, or trauma, and medical conditions like degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis (wear and tear on the spine), or herniated discs.
How can medical cannabis help with back pain?
Medical cannabis has been found to be effective in treating chronic back pain due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cannabinoids interact with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate various functions, including sleep, appetite, memory, mood, and pain sensation. This interaction can help reduce inflammation and improve overall wellness. The two main cannabinoids found in medical cannabis—tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)—have different effects on the ECS, but both may be effective for treating back pain when taken together as part of a whole plant extract product.
Another benefit of using medical cannabis for back pain is that it can help manage the stress associated with chronic pain conditions. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, studies suggest that CBD can help reduce stress levels by regulating cortisol production in the body and providing calming effects on the central nervous system. This can positively impact both the physical and mental wellbeing of those living with long-term back issues.
Is medical cannabis better than traditional treatments for back pain?
Overall, medicinal cannabis has much to offer those suffering from chronic back pain or related conditions. Not only does it help reduce inflammation and muscle spasms associated with back pain, but it also helps improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety levels. These are important factors for effectively managing chronic conditions like this one.
As more studies are conducted on this powerful medicine, it appears that it offers relief from chronic back pain without many of the side effects associated with traditional treatments like opioids or NSAIDs. With proper guidance from a healthcare professional specialising in medical cannabis use cases, individuals suffering from chronic back issues may find much-needed relief from this treatment option.