Marijuana has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, but recently its efficacy for managing muscle pain has been researched. While the jury is still out on the full potential of marijuana to treat muscle pain, there are some promising studies that suggest it may be a viable option for those suffering from muscle pain. In this article, we’ll explore the current evidence on the use of marijuana for treating muscle pain and discuss how it could be a beneficial treatment for managing pain. We’ll also go over the potential risks and side effects associated with using marijuana for muscle pain, as well as the legal considerations that need to be taken into account.
What are the potential risks associated with using marijuana to treat muscle pain?
Some potential risks associated with using marijuana to treat muscle pain include addiction, impaired cognitive functioning, and an increased risk of developing mental health issues. Additionally, marijuana use can lead to increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and decreased coordination. Finally, marijuana use during pregnancy can increase the risk of a low birth weight or premature birth.
Are there any long-term effects from using marijuana to treat muscle pain?
Yes, there are some potential long-term effects from using marijuana to treat muscle pain. These may include an increased risk of addiction, impaired cognitive functioning, and an increased risk of certain types of cancers. It is important to discuss any potential risks with your doctor before using marijuana to treat muscle pain.
How does marijuana compare to other forms of treatment for muscle pain?
Marijuana has been found to be effective in reducing muscle pain in some patients. It has been found to be as effective as or even more effective than other forms of treatment such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and muscle relaxants. Studies have also shown that marijuana may reduce inflammation and spasms, which can contribute to muscle pain. Additionally, marijuana has fewer side effects than other forms of treatment for muscle pain, making it a potentially safer option.
Are there any other benefits to using marijuana to treat muscle pain beyond pain relief?
Yes, there are many other benefits to using marijuana to treat muscle pain beyond pain relief. Marijuana can help reduce inflammation, reduce muscle spasms and cramping, and improve sleep quality. It can also improve mood, reduce anxiety, and provide a general sense of well-being. Additionally, marijuana is a natural, safe, and effective way to manage pain without the need for potentially harmful medications.
How does CBD specifically help to reduce muscle pain?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in marijuana plants that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-oxidant properties. When applied directly to the skin, CBD can help to reduce muscle pain, inflammation, and spasms by interacting with receptors in the brain, nervous system, and immune system. Studies have shown that CBD can be effective in treating conditions such as chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and even multiple sclerosis. Additionally, CBD may help to reduce the side effects of certain medications used to treat muscle pain.
Joni Sweet. Home Alternative Medicine. People with arthritis and other chronic musculoskeletal pain are increasingly turning to cannabis products for relief from different symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, insomnia, and anxiety. In fact, a recent CreakyJoints survey of people with arthritis found that more than half had tried marijuana or CBD for a medical reason. While cannabis plants are complex and different varieties have different chemical compositions, almost all of them contain some combination of two medically important compounds tetrahydrocannabinol THC and cannabidiol CBD. These two chemicals both show potential in easing pain, but in different ways. Choosing a product rich in THC, CBD, or both could make a difference in the kind of pain relief you experience if any. Here are reasons your CBD product might not be working for you. CBD and THC activate different cannabinoid receptors in your body that can stimulate or inhibit brain chemicals and cause certain effects. The high that THC provides can also play a role in how people experience pain. Bryan , PhD, professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Colorado Boulder, who has studied cannabis and health. CBD is much less understood than THC by researchers, although there is anecdotal evidence that it may provide pain relief in some people. Researchers have not found much evidence that CBD can offer mental relief from pain. However, the placebo effect may help some individuals experience less pain after taking CBD. Scientists suspect that CBD may help relieve anxiety, though. That said, CBD may offer pain relief in more physical ways. It seems to show promise in reducing inflammation, which could provide pain relief from autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, says Dr. The bottom line THC seems to have a greater effect on the way the mind perceives pain, whereas CBD may work to ease pain at the local source. Cannabis is still considered a Schedule 1 drug by the federal government a legal status that limits the kinds of research that can be conducted. Using the current research available, Dr. THC might not be an option for everyone, though. In those cases, it might be worth trying CBD on its own to see if it offers pain relief for you. Many states in which certain CBD products are legal require them to contain less than 0. CBD can also interact with certain medications such as blood thinners and either increase or decrease the concentration of certain drugs in the bloodstream. THC has its own set of side effects, including sleepiness and lethargy, increased appetite, increased heart rate, coordination problems, dry mouth, red eyes, slower reaction times, memory loss, anxiety, and mood changes. CreakyJoints is a digital community for millions of arthritis patients and caregivers worldwide who seek education, support, advocacy, and patient-centered research. We present patients through our popular social media channels, our website CreakyJoints. We represent patients through our popular social media channels, our website CreakyJoints. Only fill in if you are not human. Alternative Medicine. Share Facebook Twitter Email. Will It Help? Subscribe to CreakyJoints for more related content. About CreakyJoints CreakyJoints is a digital community for millions of arthritis patients and caregivers worldwide who seek education, support, advocacy, and patient-centered research. Our Resources ghlf. Stay Connected. The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. All rights reserved. Part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation, a c 3 non-profit organization. Reservados todos los derechos. Login to comment on posts, connect with other members, access special offers and view exclusive content. Username or E-mail. Keep me signed in. Forgot your password?
Pain is a highly complex concept that can manifest physically and emotionally. Chronic physical pain is often worsened by issues that cause mental anguish like anxiety and depression. We have developed many medications to treat all of these different kinds of pain, including analgesics e. While some of these medications have their potential and practical uses, they all share the same massive downside the potential for overdose, and when taken together they compound one another and make that potential overdose even more likely. For this reason, cannabis can be an alternative or complementary to painkillers. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the healing ability of the cannabis plant, especially in terms of battling pain and inflammation. Medical cannabis may also reduce the need for many prescription medications, with many using it to replace opioids, benzodiazepines, antidepressants and many other types of drugs.