Pain Conditions that may be treated with medicinal cannabis.
Medicinal cannabis has been shown to be effective in managing a range of pain conditions. Research shows that “measures of pain severity and interference improved significantly over three months of treatment with MC. Sleep, mood/depression and overall quality of life measures also significantly improved over the three months. Effect sizes in all cases were moderate to strong.” – NICM Health Research Institute
If you are looking for a natural alternative to manage your pain, then check your eligibility and book a consultation with your local Medicann Clinic.
Acute Pain
Acute pain is a type of pain caused by something specific such as cuts or a broken bone. This type of pain is categorised as sharp, sudden pain.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of acute pain can vary significantly depending on the cause of the pain and the area of the body affected.
These may include Sharp pain, throbbing, burning, stabbing pain, tingling, weakness or numbness.
Medicinal cannabis has been considered a potential alternative to painkillers.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common condition that causes inflammation in the joints. Arthritis affects more than 10 million people of various ages, although it is more common as people grow older.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of arthritis vary in severity and the occurrence of symptoms depends on the type of arthritis the individual has.
The majority of types of arthritis share symptoms such as Joint pain, stiffness and or tenderness, Joint inflammation, Restricted movement, Warm red skin over the joint and muscle weakness and wasting.
Various studies show that medicinal cannabis along with traditional methods of treatment has been seen to improve symptoms.
Back Pain & Sciatica
Back pain may be caused by various different reasons, anything from an injury to arthritis. Back pain can happen at any age but is more common in people of the older generation. Pain can spread down to the back of the legs disguising itself as Sciatica.
What are the symptoms?
Sciatica has its own symptoms which are usually present in the bottom, legs and feet, these can include: Shooting pains, stabbing or burning sensations, pins and needles or tingling, Weakness or numbness.
Medical cannabis may be considered as an alternative medicine when other treatments have failed to manage symptoms and pain relief.
Bladder Pain
There are several different problems that can cause bladder pain. The three most common causes are interstitial cystitis, urinary tract infection and bladder cancer.
What are the symptoms?
While the main symptoms of these conditions are pain, patients often experience other symptoms such as Pain or burning when urinating, urgent need to urinate, Pain or tenderness in the abdomen, Cloudy, bloody or foul-smelling urine, Frequent need to urinate and difficulty passing urine.
Medicinal cannabis is considered a potential alternative to painkillers and this could make it a useful alternative for pain management.
Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
CRPS is a severe and debilitating Chronic Pain which is commonly in one area.
What are the symptoms?
Chronic pain is the main symptom of CRPS, however, there are other symptoms that may occur such as Stinging, burning or stabbing sensation, Sensitive skin, Hyperalgesia (Feeling pain from pressure or temperature), Allodynia (Experiencing pain from a light touch in the affected area), Ghost sensations in the affected limbs.
Medicinal cannabis could be an alternative form of treatment for those living with CRPS and offer the patients much-needed relief.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is usually used to describe pain which lasts longer than a couple of months.
What are the symptoms?
Chronic pain can have many side effects alongside the pain itself. The three most common forms are back pain, joint pain and headaches.
Other symptoms also include Burning sensations, Insomnia, Fatigue, Loss of stamina, Loss of flexibility and Mental Health problems.
When other treatments are ineffective for Chronic Pain medicinal cannabis could be an alternative form of treatment alleviating symptoms of pain.
Compressed or Pinched Nerves
Having a pinched or compressed nerve can send pain signals and in more severe conditions cause long-lasting problems with the nervous centre.
What are the symptoms?
The more common symptoms are Pain in the area of compression, such as the neck or lower back, Radiating pain such as sciatica, Numbness or tingling, pins and needles or a burning sensation, Weakness with certain activities and the feeling of having a foot or hand fall to sleep.
Medicinal cannabis has been considered as a potential alternative to painkillers for the management of pain. This could make them an alternative pain relief treatment.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes
EDS are a group of rare inherited conditions that affect connective tissues. There are 13 different types of EDS which can affect the skin, tendons, internal organs and bones.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms may vary depending on the form of the condition however all forms have some common symptoms including Joint hypermobility, Stretchy skin, Fragile skin, Joint pain, Clicking joints, Dizziness, Fatigue, Digestive points, Problems with internal organs and problems with bladder control.
Medicinal cannabis treatment may be effective in helping the management of pain associated with the condition.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a long-term condition that can affect women of any age. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places such as the ovaries.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of Endometriosis can vary depending on the severity. Some common symptoms are Pain in the lower back, Pelvic pain, Period pain that interrupts normal activities, Pain during and/or after sex, Pain when urinating or excreting, Nausea, and fertility issues.
There is evidence to suggest that medicinal cannabis can be used for the management of several Endometriosis symptoms and can help with the management of pain that comes with the condition.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a long-term pain condition that causes widespread pain throughout the body.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms of Fibromyalgia are: Sensitivity to pain, Fatigue, Muscle stiffness, Trouble sleeping, Memory Fog and concentration, headaches and IBS.
Medicinal cannabis products may be a useful option when traditional treatments are unsuccessful. Helping with relief from pain.
Herniated Disc
A Herniated Disc also referred to as a slipped or ruptured disc is a disc that is pushed out of place.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of a Herniated Disc can vary common symptoms include Sharp or dull pain in the affected area and numbness or tingling in the affected area.
Medicinal cannabis can be considered as a potential alternative to painkillers for the management of pain when traditional treatments are unsuccessful.
Migraines
Migraines are a relatively common condition affecting around 6 million people usually characterised by a moderate to severe headache on one side of the head.
What are the symptoms?
Migraines can be presented in a number of different forms the most common being: Migraine with aura – where there are specific warning signs before the migraine begins e.g. flashing lights, and blurred vision, Migraine without Aura – the most common type where the Migraine occurs without the warning signs, Nausea, Sickness, Poor concentration, and increased sensitivity to light and sound.
Medicinal cannabis can be considered for the treatment of Migraines when traditional medicines haven’t worked as it could be associated with a decrease in Migraines as well as relief from the pain caused by Migraines.
Musculoskeletal Pain
Musculoskeletal is the term used to refer to pain that affects joints, bones or muscles.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms are pain itself however other symptoms are associated with this condition such as: Aching all over, Burning or twitching muscles, Fatigue, Insomnia and sleep problems.
Medicinal cannabis can be used as an alternative to treat this condition when traditional medicines become unsuccessful.
Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic Pain refers to any form of pain caused by damage or disease to the nerves causing pain signals to be sent to the brain.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms can vary depending on the patient and which nerves are affected, however, some symptoms can be an early indicator including: Burning or tingling pain, stabbing or shooting pains, and a sensation of pins and needles.
Medicinal cannabis can be used in the treatment of Neuropathic pain if first-line treatments are unsuccessful as it may give relief from pain.
Somatic Pain
There are several types of pain in which the cause, symptoms and areas affected will differ. Somatic Pain is one of these types of pains that occurs when pain receptors are activated.
What are the symptoms?
Somatic Pain is often localised in the affected areas, and it is usually more consistent as a result of movement. Common types of pain associated with the condition consist of Cramping, Aching, Gnawing, and Sharp pains.
Medicinal cannabis can be considered when traditional treatments are unsuccessful as it can be used to manage pain.
Visceral Pain
Visceral Pain originates from the pelvic or abdominal organs such as the stomach, bladder or uterus.
What are the symptoms?
In most cases, it often feels like a pressure or an ache. Common symptoms include Digestive problems, Menstrual pain, Damage to core muscles, and injury to internal organs.
Medicinal cannabis is considered to be a potential alternative when traditional treatments are unsuccessful and can help with the relief of pain.