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Can medicinal herbal remedies relieve chronic back pain and fibromyalgia symptoms?
Over the past two decades, the cannabis plant, commonly known as marijuana, has been a topic of interest in the medical community. In some states, medical marijuana is already available for certain medical conditions. Its effectiveness as a pain reliever is well established. Although cannabis is most commonly associated with relieving cancer pain and loss of appetite, its analgesic properties may prove promising for people with back pain, fibromyalgia, and a number of other chronic pain conditions. How does cannabis relieve pain? Similar to the opioid receptor system in the body that allows endorphins to exert their pleasant, pain-relieving effects, the body also has a cannabinoid receptor system. It...
Can medicinal herbal remedies relieve chronic back pain and fibromyalgia symptoms?
Over the past two decades, the cannabis plant, commonly known as marijuana, has been a topic of interest in the medical community. In some states, medical marijuana is already available for certain medical conditions. Its effectiveness as a pain reliever is well established. Although cannabis is most commonly associated with relieving cancer pain and loss of appetite, its analgesic properties may prove promising for people with back pain, fibromyalgia, and a number of other chronic pain conditions.
How does cannabis relieve pain?
Similar to the opioid receptor system in the body that allows endorphins to exert their pleasant, pain-relieving effects, the body also has a cannabinoid receptor system. There are three types of cannabinoids: endocannabinoids (made by the body), phytocannabinoids (made by marijuana plants), and synthetic cannabinoids, which are made in a laboratory.
The cannabis plant contains a number of cannabinoids, each with its own properties. The three most important components for this discussion are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and beta-caryophyllene. THC is a mild painkiller and the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. CBD reduces cramps, inflammation, nausea and anxiety. Beta-caryophellene is a powerful anti-inflammatory cannabinoid and is found in highest concentrations in cannabis essential oils.
Research
The most recent theory on fibromyalgia suggests that sufferers' brains process pain abnormally or that excessive pain signals are sent to the brain. Increasing the amount of cannabinoids available to the body can help counteract the pain of fibromyalgia. A small study, the results of which were published in the April 2011 issue of PLoS One, showed that fibromyalgic cannabis users reported a significant reduction in pain and stiffness. For a full summary, see http://www.cannabis-med.org/studies/ww_en_db_study_show.php?s_id=319.
Chronic back pain is often associated with inflammation, muscle spasms, and/or nerve pain. Cannabis has been shown to relieve all of these symptoms, although studies on neuropathic pain relief have been the most important. A small study led by Dr. Mark Ware examined the effects of cannabis with different THC potencies on pain relief. Those who received the highest potency at 9.4% reported significantly reduced pain. Read more about this study at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11110798.
Some sources estimate that street marijuana contains 10-15% THC, more than required for pain management. This may answer an important question for those considering medical marijuana: Do I need to get high? The answer is no. Since THC is the main psychoactive component in marijuana, reducing its levels and increasing CBD levels results in fewer psychological effects while still providing pain relief. There are clinics in medical marijuana permitting states that offer high-CBD, low-THC strains of cannabis.
The debate
Marijuana is classified as an illegal substance which has created a stigma. Science is increasingly discovering the therapeutic effects of this plant and is even working to synthesize its cannabinoids in the laboratory. However, until the safety of the synthetic compounds is proven by solid evidence, it is most advisable to refer to nature's source.
Some are concerned about the addictive potential associated with drugs. However, many accepted prescription painkillers, including opioids, are highly addictive. Cannabis has actually been shown to limit opioid addiction. Aside from habitual addiction, which is a problem with medications, there is no evidence that cannabis poses dependency problems. A variety of other adverse health effects associated with common painkillers, such as stomach, kidney and liver damage and overdose, are not associated with marijuana use.
The most popular method of using cannabis is smoking. Lung and throat irritation are legitimate concerns for people considering medical marijuana for prolonged pain management. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of cannabis administered orally or via a ventilator.
As with any painkiller, cannabis is not a cure for a painful condition. Rather, it is a useful pain management tool that should be used to temporarily relieve symptoms while pursuing a treatment plan that attacks the source of your pain.
Inspired by Sean Burton