Managing Pain with Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis is quickly becoming a go-to choice for many patients when it comes to treating pain. In fact, according to a study published in 2016 in the Journal of Pain, cannabis use resulted in 64% lower opioid use in patients with chronic pain and better quality of life. There have been plenty of research on how medical marijuana can help people with anxiety and depression—with many studies showing improvement in symptoms within days of starting therapy.  However, there has been less attention paid to cannabis’s impact on chronic pain relief. Americans are currently experiencing an opioid epidemic fueled by overprescription and misuse of powerful narcotics. That’s why we must explore what makes this ancient herb so effective at relieving chronic inflammation while avoiding some of the dangers associated with opioids or other prescription drugs.

Pain is the most common reason people use medical marijuana

Pain is the most common reason people use marijuana for medical purposes. Pain can be defined as an unpleasant feeling that makes you want to move away from what hurts, and it can affect any part of the body. Pain may be mild or severe, short-lived, or long-lasting. It may change over time, and different types of pain may occur at different times in your life.

Pain is common—and difficult to manage—in many forms: arthritis; headache; muscle soreness after exercise; backache; menstrual cramps; cancer pain (palliative care); nerve damage due to diabetes or spinal cord injury (neuropathic). A person can experience physical pain without mood changes (somatic pain) but also experience psychological distress related to their physical condition (psychogenic).

Medical marijuana can help combat chronic pain without the potential side effects of opioids or other prescription medications

It is a well-known fact that medical marijuana can help combat chronic pain. It has also been shown to help people suffering from anxiety, depression, and PTSD. While opioids and other prescription medications are often prescribed to treat chronic pain, medical cannabis offers an alternative that is safer and less likely to be addictive or cause side effects such as sleep disturbance or mood changes. In addition to the above-referenced 2016 study that found that most opioid-prescribed chronic pain patients in the group ended up substituting for cannabis as a preferred choice, a 2019 study, also published in the Journal of Pain, found similar results with 80% of patients reported something similar. The rationale behind the substitution was fewer side effects and better pain management.

Medical marijuana has also been shown to reduce inflammation associated with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases like Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus erythematosus (LE), and psoriatic arthritis (PA). This anti-inflammatory effect helps improve mobility while reducing swelling caused by painful joints or muscles throughout your body -- meaning you'll have greater mobility while also experiencing less pain!

In addition to reducing inflammation in your body, one of the most essential cannabis benefits is improving your mood. Medical marijuana can make it easier for you to cope with everyday stresses and strains caused by living with a physical condition like arthritis or fibromyalgia.

It's important only to take what you need for pain relief

If you use too much, it can make you feel groggy and can cause side effects like dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, and blurred vision. Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional if you have any questions about how much medical cannabis is suitable for your condition.

When deciding on a dose of medical cannabis, take into account the following:

• The strain and form of cannabis used – different strains have different amounts of THC, so choose one that suits your needs best (for example, indica strains are better for sleep disorders).

• Your tolerance - how often do you currently smoke? Have there been times when smoking didn't give the desired effect? If so, it could be worth starting with a small amount initially until your body becomes accustomed to using medical marijuana.

It's necessary to keep track of your pain levels and the timing of your cannabis use to make sure it's working properly

It's important to keep track of your pain levels and the timing of your cannabis use to ensure it's working correctly. One way to do this is by keeping a "pain diary," which records how much cannabis you use, how often, and when. If you're using a specific strain or product, note that as well.

Another way to monitor the effectiveness of medical cannabis is by tracking how long it takes for the effects of each dose to kick in (you should be able to tell this from previous experiences). This information can help determine whether more frequent doses should be taken or if more potent forms (such as edibles) should be used instead of smoking or vaping with THC-rich flower buds.

Conclusion

Texas medical marijuana can be a safe and effective way to manage your pain. But it's important to remember that each person is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. You should always consult with your doctor before starting any new treatment program or medication. It's also crucial to keep track of what kind of strains you use and how much time passes between doses. This is to ensure they are effective while still being safe for your body in the long run!

Feel free to reach out to Thrive Medical Cannabis in Texas to consult with our reputable clinicians. For more information, call us today.