In a country where opioid deaths are rising, many people experiencing chronic pain seek alternative treatment. Medical marijuana is an option that can help. Other treatments include physical therapy with a physical therapist, acupuncture (where thin needles are inserted into different areas to interrupt pain signals), and nerve blocks.
It’s a Natural Alternative
Many people with chronic pain find that cannabis can help ease their symptoms. It is because it doesn’t have the same side effects as opiate medications, such as nausea, constipation and addiction. People also say that marijuana is much more effective at treating nerve pain (like fibromyalgia and endometriosis) than other options, such as Neurontin or Lyrica. It can also treat tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease, muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis, and interstitial cystitis pain. People with chronic pain experienced a better quality of life after using medical marijuana. Texas medical marijuana doctors helped them cope with their pain. It also reduced the number of other medications they took. It’s important to discuss any medication with your doctor before you start using it. This way, you can ensure that it won’t interfere with any other medicines you may take.
It’s Safer than Opioids
Natural cannabis has several health advantages. It has been used to treat pain and improve the quality of life for thousands of years. It works by altering the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps to regulate many processes, including sleep, appetite, and mood. Unlike opioids, cannabis is non-addictive and does not cause respiratory depression. As a result, it is safer to use than other prescription medications for pain management. People who used medical marijuana were likelier to lower prescription opioid dosages over time. It was especially true for those suffering from neuropathic pain, pain caused by nerves and often causes tingling or burning sensations. These findings imply that cannabis might work well as a chronic pain medication, albeit more randomized controlled trials are required. APRNs should consider the potential clinical implications of these research results when working with clients with chronic pain and other health conditions. When discussing pain management options with clients, APRNs should encourage them to try medical marijuana. It is important to educate clients about this drug’s safety and efficacy so they can make an informed decision. Ultimately, whether or not to use medical marijuana is up to each client and should be made with their healthcare provider’s support.
It’s Effective
Cannabis is highly effective in treating many conditions that cause pain, including fibromyalgia, arthritis and multiple sclerosis. In gold-standard randomized clinical trials, people who used cannabis experienced significant pain relief compared with placebos. The research also shows that medical marijuana improves the quality of life in people with chronic pain. In one study, participants who were prescribed cannabis reported a significant improvement in various measures that measure health-related quality of life, such as sleep, pain, anxiety and depression. It suggests that patients prescribed medical marijuana experience a meaningful and long-term improvement in their quality of life.
In states where medical marijuana is legal, many adults with chronic pain are switching to cannabis for treatment. In some cases, they’re reducing or even eliminating their use of opioid medications. It is encouraging because the recent opioid crisis has claimed lives due to misuse and overdoses. A recent study found that states with medical marijuana laws had 25% fewer deaths than those without medical marijuana. The researchers suggest reducing opioid prescriptions may be related to increased cannabis use. Regardless, APRNs should consider cannabis as an alternative treatment for pain management and work with their patients to determine the best dosages. The goal is to help them achieve their desired outcomes, such as symptom relief and improved function and quality of life.
It’s Non-addictive
Medical marijuana offers comfort to many who have severe pain. This natural treatment is non-addictive and can treat many different types of pain. It is also safer than opioids and can help patients stop using prescription medications or reduce their dosage. But it is important to consult a doctor before trying new medicines, including cannabis. Opioids are a powerful pain reliever but have a high risk of abuse and addiction. Patients are increasingly seeking alternatives, such as medical marijuana. Numerous illnesses, such as back pain, headaches, and arthritis, can be safely and successfully treated with cannabis. A recent survey found that most chronic pain patients who use marijuana report that it has helped them cut back or eliminate the use of other medications.
The participants in the study were asked to report their self-reported use of cannabis, pharmacologic treatments (prescription opioids, prescription nonopioid analgesics, and over-the-counter analgesics), common nonpharmacologic treatments, and other sources of pain relief. The respondents also reported their pain intensity and symptom severity. The researchers found that using medical marijuana was associated with decreased reliance on other pharmacologic treatments, especially opioids, for chronic pain. The study authors conclude that “these findings support the notion that medical marijuana could be a safe and effective alternative to some of the most commonly prescribed drugs for pain.” However, the research is still ongoing, and larger studies are needed.