Pain is a completely natural human reaction. Essentially, it is a series of signals sent to your brain, signifying that something is wrong. For example, when you touch a hot stove, your skin’s sensory receptors send messages throughout your nervous system until it reaches the brain. There, information is processed, and pain is perceived.
Most types of pain go away after a few minutes or hours. It is referred to as acute pain, which can easily be diagnosed and treated. On the other hand, some people might experience pain more constantly. This condition, known as chronic pain, can last for up to six months or longer.
Over 1 billion people around the world suffer from chronic pain. When the symptoms start to go beyond pain alone and the patient experiences anxiety or irritability, their condition is called chronic pain syndrome (CPS). In the UK, one out of four adults is affected by CPS, suffering from poor mental health and wellbeing.
There is currently no cure for CPS; however, treatments are available to relieve pain and other symptoms. Counselling, physical therapy, and over-the-counter medications are all common treatments for chronic pain.
Recently, there has been a development regarding the treatment of CPS. Several medical experts have been recommending the use of cannabis for pain relief — an uncommon but highly effective solution.
What are the benefits of using cannabis for pain relief?
1.Medical cannabis does not cause a high.
The primary component of medicinal cannabis products is cannabidiol (CBD), a chemical that can ease overall discomfort. Unlike another chemical, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not have any psychoactive effects. Instead, it simply helps reduce inflammation, nausea, and anxiety.
2.Cannabis for pain relief is backed by research.
Studies have found that treating chronic pain with medical cannabis improves pain and health-related quality of life. Additionally, cannabis showed no serious adverse effects on clinical trial participants. However, they experienced mild side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and increased appetite.
3.Cannabis has many other benefits.
Aside from treating chronic pain, cannabis is known to improve lung capacity, ease depression, and regulate seizures. However, before you use cannabis for pain relief, consult with a medical expert to see if the treatment is appropriate for you.
About the Author:
Sapphire Medical Clinics provide doctors and patients with an expert opinion on their medical condition. Patients are seen by a consultant who specialises in their condition. We are here for clinicians who’ve yet to find an effective solution to challenging medical conditions, and for patients who’ve been referred to us to establish the next stage of treatment.
