Medical cannabis has been proven to provide pain relief for chronic pain conditions, improving the quality of life for people living in pain and support them to manage their symptoms.
Patients may be prescribed painkillers but find that they are ineffective in treating their pain
These drugs can be incredibly strong painkillers, with far-reaching side effects. Sometimes, even these cannot help patients to manage pain, leading them to explore other avenues.
For example, medical cannabis can be used to modulate pain through the use of phytocannabinoids, which are a class of lipophilic molecules that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The endocannabinoid system is a network which interacts with the body’s central nervous and peripheral nervous system. In short, this means that phytocannabinoids hold incredible pharmacological potential.
One example of this in action can be seen in this study from 2019 in the United States, ‘Medical Cannabis: Effects on O-pioid and B- Requirements for Pain Control’ where the authors, M. O’Connell, M. Sandgren, L. Frantzen, E. Bower, and B. Erickson, found evidence shows that patients suffering from chronic pain exhibited a significant reduction in pain symptoms when treated with medical cannabis.
On top of that, opioids are often a common choice for helping with chronic pain. Medical cannabis is already being put forward by experts as an alternative medication to opioids, reducing the risk of developing a dependency and other unwanted side-effects. This study, written by Philippe Lucas and titled ‘Cannabis as an adjunct to or substitute for o-piates in the treatment of chronic pain’, states that cannabis can help lead to a greater cumulative relief of pain. That means fewer opiates are used and reduces the impact of the associated side-effects.
Pain is a debilitating symptom that can be linked to any number of complex conditions, causes, or other symptoms. Living with certain pain conditions is a common reality for many people in the UK, with over eight million people stating they live with chronic pain.
For persistent pain conditions, medical cannabis can be a source of relief. Many people are not just uncomfortable as a result of their pain, it can make it difficult to complete various everyday tasks that other people might find simple. Treatment with medical cannabis helps to manage and minimise symptoms of pain and drastically improve the quality of life for these patients.
What are some common pain conditions?
There are certain conditions that make chronic pain a part of everyday life, to a point where it becomes hard to manage. Some of these pain conditions include:
- Arthritis
- Back Pain and Sciatica
- Cancer-Related Pain
- Chronic Pain
- Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome
- Ehlers Danlos Syndromes
- Endometriosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Migraines
- Musculoskeletal Pain
- Neuropathic Pain
What are some typical symptoms of pain conditions?
Depending on the specific type of pain condition, a person may suffer from:
- Reduction in quality of life
- Low mood
- Sleep disruption, fatigue and insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Stress and anxiety
- Tremors or spasticity
These symptoms can come and go in periods known as relapses and flare-ups. Flare-ups are when symptoms are particularly severe, whereas relapses are when symptoms might become more faint or even disappear altogether temporarily.
What treatment options are available for pain conditions?
Treatment for pain will largely depend on the root cause of the pain or the underlying condition it’s related to. The most effective treatment plans often include combinations of the following treatment options:
- Over-the-counter medication, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Prescription medications are often used to manage pain. However, for many people, a combination of treatments is most effective.
- Physical therapy
- Exercise
- Acupuncture
- Relaxation techniques
- Psychological counselling
How can we help?
The Medical Cannabis Clinics’ team is dedicated to raising awareness about how medical cannabis can help with pain conditions. Our experts are ready to cooperate with you and your individual needs to find a treatment plan that works for you. Your prescription can be tailored to suit your individual circumstances and needs, with ongoing support and adjustments made as necessary.
At The Medical Cannabis Clinics, we offer personalised treatment plans and private care for patients through online video link consultations with our expert specialist doctors, who will guide you through the treatment options available from the clinic.
Appointments start from just £70. Book a private consultation today and one of our expert specialist doctors will be able to offer you targeted advice and treatment plans, unique to your needs and symptoms.