The use of cannabis has substantially reduced the use of
conventional pain medications, chiefly opioids.
Cannabis may improve the efficacy of other pain medicines as
well.
It prevents the cancer cells growth and enhances the action
of chemotherapy
Studies have shown that cannabis can make the daily
functioning and quality of life better, particularly for those
with chronic pain.
Medical cannabis is well tolerated and has few adverse
effects.
ü
Cannabis is an effective intervention for chronic
pain in adults. ü
Its active ingredients are ·
delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) ·
cannabidiol (CBD) ü
A huge number of evidence demonstrate the efficacy
of cannabis’ use. ü
Cannabis reliefs pain via its antihyperalgesic and
antinociceptive effects. ü
A growing body of clinical research have
shown a clinically noteworthy lessening in pain with the use of cannabis. ü
It has been useful in cancer-related
pain, fibromyalgia, migraines, and other pain conditions. From 1975 to December 2023, there have been plenty
of researches demonstrating that cannabis can help patients get relief from
their pain.
Alleviation of chronic pain is by far the most prevalent
reason provided by patients for using cannabis for medical purposes.
A recent review published
by the Pain and Therapy journal found cannabinoids to be a likely favourable
adjunctive or replacement for opioids for diverse forms of acute and chronic
pain. According to it, cannabinoids have yielded positive results in various
trials over opioids, particularly for neuropathic pain. It has been
demonstrated to alleviate chronic pain in the elderly population and to result
in the discontinuation of opioids medications. The review also found
cannabinoids have a lower side-effect profile than opioids and may be used in
tandem with opioids to produce more powerful analgesia.
A survey by
researchers from the United States reported that patients found cannabis use to
be a helpful adjunct and alternative to opioids in managing their chronic pain.
They also claimed to get the extra benefit of enhancing their ability to work
and quality of life.
The Tilray Observational Study from
Canada gives an individual-level insight on cannabinoids substitution for
opioids and other prescribed medicines, along with the resulting improvement in
quality of life over a 6-month period. According to this study, the use of
cannabis for chronic pain can result in a reduction in opioid use and its
subsequent harmful effects. This has the potential to improve patient quality
of life and general public health.
Cannabis consists of various
biologically active molecules that can influence pain physiology. Comprehensive
reviews of the
literature support the potential safety and pain-relieving efficacy of
cannabinoids for chronic pain. The beneficial effects appear to peak after
three months of frequent cannabis use. Another study has
claimed to decrease the illicit use of opioids for chronic pain as well as
fentanyl exposure rates.
Microdosing CBD is a method of
consuming very small doses of cannabidiol on a daily basis. In a randomised
control trial, a
significant decline in pain intensity was observed with a dose of 0.5mg to 1mg
of cannabis in 27 patients with chronic neuropathic pain. The trial concluded
that people can benefit from cannabis-based treatments for their chronic pain.
A retrospective
evaluation found a low dose of cannaboids helpful in reducing chronic
pain, post-traumatic stress disorder-related insomnia, self-harm and nightmares
in inmates with serious mental illness. It can be useful in reducing emotional
exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout.
For a new cannabis user,
microdosing can be an excellent starting point. The goal of microdosing
marijuana is to achieve the desired impact throughout the day with a few
repeated doses instead of one huge dose.
Microdosing of marijuana can be
carried out via various forms like tinctures, gummies, pastilles, etc.
A huge number of diverse pain killers or analgesics are available that can help alleviate pain in different ways. They can be used with other types of analgesics to reduce pain.
Nonopioid Analgesic Agents
·
Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
·
Acetaminophen (paracetamol)
·
Antiepileptic medications
·
Antidepressant medications
·
Local anesthetics (lidocain)
Opioid Agents
·
Morphine
·
Hydrocodone
·
Oxycodone
Codeine
Combination
Analgesics
·
Paracetamol and codeine
·
Paracetamol and tramadol
· Paracetamol and dihydrocodeine
·
Creams --
ibuprofen, diclofenac, capsaicin cream, etc
·
Sprays
·
Gels
· Patches
·
Spinal Cord Stimulators
·
Acupuncture
·
Steroid Injections
·
Disc Procedures
·
Manipulation
·
Trigger Point Injections
·
Massage
·
Intrathecal Pump Therapy
·
Radio Frequency Ablation
·
Mobilisation
· Nerve Blocks
To anyone living in unrelenting pain: it is possible to
overcome chronic pain.
1 In 5 People Suffer From Pain Globally
Pain destroys the soul. No one should endure the unbearable pain.
What is Pain?
Pain is a multifaceted unpleasant bodily sensation that
involves both a physiological and psychological reaction to a noxious stimulus.
It will feel like an ache, sting,
burn, prick, or tingle.
Acute Pain
It has a sudden onset, a definite cause and short
duration.
Chronic Pain
It is a pain that lasts or reappears for longer than
3 months duration. Chronic pain includes
·
Nociceptive pain (skin, joints, muscle, bones
ligaments)
·
Neuropathic (nerves)
·
Nociplastic pain
·
Mixed pain
·
Inflammatory pain
Nociceptive
Pain—Pain caused by the activation of nociceptors as a result of
actual or potential injury to non-neural tissue.
Neuropathic
Pain—Pain induced by a disease or lesion of the somatosensory
nervous system.
Nociplastic
Pain—Pain caused by changed nociception in the absence of any
clear evidence of tissue damage or disease of the somatosensory system.
Pain can affect the emotional, social and physical aspect of
life.
