Nearly a million adults in the United States live with multiple sclerosis (MS), a degenerative disease that causes the immune system to damage the nerves in the central nervous system. There is no known cure for this lifelong condition, though some scientists believe medical marijuana can be beneficial in treating some of its symptoms. The symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary with each person. Since this disease affects the cells in the brain and spinal cord, some patients may lose their ability to walk, while others may have trouble moving their limbs. Those living with MS may also face vision problems and loss of balance, among other serious disabilities.
Several scientific studies show that marijuana and its cannabinoids can reduce muscle pain and decrease the symptoms of spasticity in people with MS. However, since the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) lists cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance, most of the studies and surveys conducted on the potential benefits of medical marijuana have been rather small. Nevertheless, now that cannabis has been legalized in several states, many public and private institutions are researching its medicinal benefits. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, which supports the use of medical marijuana for people with MS in the states where it is lawful, has also pointed out the need for more research to understand the benefits and risks of cannabis in treating the symptoms of this debilitating disease. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of the most studied compounds of cannabis. While scientists have found THC to be effective against nausea, pain, and inflammation, they have also deduced it has psychoactive properties that cause the “high” associated with cannabis. On the other hand, CBD has proven beneficial in treating seizures, anxiety, PTSD, and paranoia. This cannabinoid does not have psychoactive effects and can offset the “high” caused by THC. Trending. When it comes to medical marijuana, the lack of standardization and regulation prevents most doctors from prescribing cannabis products to treat MS symptoms. Whether you smoke or dab, it is not always possible to know the right dosage since the THC levels tend to vary with each batch. Similarly, different people may have different reactions to CBD. You also must keep in mind that cannabinoids may interact with some medications under certain conditions. If you have any of the following medical conditions that will qualify you for a Florida medical marijuana card and are looking for a medical marijuana doctor near your home today, please contact All Natural MD Sarasota today for more information and to get started. (800) 250-6737. Get your medical card in Sarasota Florida today!
Back pain and problems are among patients’ most frequent complaints to their doctors. Nearly 70 million Americans report a recent episode of back pain. Some 16 million adults 10 percent of all adults experience persistent or chronic back pain, and as a result are limited in certain everyday activities. Back pain is the sixth most costly condition in the United States. Health care costs and indirect costs due to back pain are over $10 billion per year. Adults with back pain are more likely to qualify for medical card services than adults without back pain. Many of the indirect costs of the condition are related to missed days of work and disability payments. This Profile uses the term “adults with back pain” to describe adults who experience persistent or chronic back pain that limits their everyday activities.
Where do people have chronic pain?
Chronic pain can come in many different forms and appear across your body. Common types of chronic pain include:
- Arthritis, or joint pain.
- Back pain.
- Neck pain.
- Cancer pain near a tumor.
- Headaches, including migraines.
- Testicular pain (orchialgia).
- Lasting pain in scar tissue.
- Muscle pain all over (such as with fibromyalgia).
- Neurogenic pain, from damage to the nerves or other parts of the nervous system.
What causes chronic pain?
Sometimes chronic pain has an obvious cause. You may have a long-lasting illness such as arthritis or cancer that can cause ongoing pain. Injuries and diseases can also cause changes to your body that leave you more sensitive to pain. These changes can stay in place even after you’ve healed from the original injury or disease. Something like a sprain, a broken bone or a brief infection can leave you with chronic pain. Some people also have chronic pain that’s not tied to an injury or physical illness. Healthcare providers call this response psychogenic pain or psychosomatic pain. It’s caused by psychological factors such as stress, anxiety and depression. Many scientists believe this connection comes from low levels of endorphins in the blood. Endorphins are natural chemicals that trigger positive feelings. It’s possible to have several causes of pain overlap. You could have two different diseases, for example. Or you could have something like migraines and psychogenic pain together.
How is chronic pain diagnosed?
Pain is considered to be chronic if it lasts or comes and goes for more than three months. Pain is usually a symptom, so your healthcare provider needs to determine what’s causing your pain, if possible. Pain is subjective only the person experiencing it can identify and describe it so it can be difficult for providers to determine the cause.
If you are suffering from chronic pain and could use the benefits of medical marijuana in Florida, please contact All Natural MD Orlando medical marijuana doctor group in Florida today. We have authorized and licensed medical marijuana doctors on hand to issue you a medical marijuana card approval quickly and efficiently. We have medical marijuana locations in Florida to assist you. Contact us to get started today.
Marijuana Use for Chronic Pain Conditions
Over half the states in the US implemented medical marijuana legalization. That’s because about 90% of Americans support medical marijuana use. One compelling reason for medicinal marijuana legalization is that it is safer than opiates. Chronic pain patients accounted for around 60% of recent overdoses. They are also at higher risk for abusing those medications. Medical marijuana is a good replacement for NSAID pain relievers. These medications raise blood pressure and damage the kidneys. Patients with sensitive stomachs can use marijuana instead of NSAIDs or opiates. They don’t have to worry about getting sick to feel better. Unlike many other pain medications, cannabis works on nerve pain. Low THC, high CBD strains allow patients to function normally. Many patients feel that opiates leave them too disoriented to do anything productive.
Medical marijuana eases chronic pain conditions such as:
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Sickle cell anemia
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Defects in the spine
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Neck injury
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Degenerative hip disorder
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Connective tissue disorder
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Severe burns
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AIDS
Marijuana Eases Inflammation
The CBD in marijuana has long been championed as an anti-inflammatory. Other cannabinoids in cannabis likewise trigger the EDS to reduce inflammation. It’s not just the cannabinoids doing all the heavy lifting to make you feel better. Marijuana also has beneficial terpenes. Terpenes are the compounds responsible for flavor and scent in marijuana. There are over 200 terpenes found in cannabis. These compounds work with cannabinoids to boost your EDS system. When all the compounds in marijuana work together it is called the entourage effect. Without the other cannabinoids and terpenes, CBD isolate isn’t as effective. Isolates are legal to sell in every state, making them easier to find. But it won’t work the way patients expect without the entourage effect.
Inflammatory conditions that respond well to marijuana include:
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Rheumatoid arthritis
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Atherosclerosis
Decreasing inflammation throughout the body improves the patient’s quality of life. Patients who faced difficulty moving due to inflamed joints are free to move without pain. Prolonged exposure to pain increases stress hormones. These hormones cause depression and anxiety. Related News.
Using Marijuana to Treat Neurological Disorders
A 2017 study on Dravet syndrome found that children who used cannabis had fewer seizures. In some patients, it cut the number of seizures in half. For 3 patients, the cannabis solution stopped all their seizures. This study led the FDA to approve a CBD-based drug to treat the syndrome. It also treats Lennox-Gastaut syndrome with similar results. Encouraged by the study, doctors prescribed medical marijuana for other neurological disorders.
Neurological disorders treated with marijuana include:
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Parkinson’s disease
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Tourette syndrome
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Multiple sclerosis
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Chronic migraines
The future of marijuana depends on expanded scientific testing. There may be many more medicinal marijuana health benefits than what we already know.
Marijuana as a Sleep Aid
Around 60 million Americans are plagued by insomnia or other sleep disorders.
Sleep deprivation results in problems like:
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Poor memory
- PTSD
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Weak immune system
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Heart disease
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Respiratory infections
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Stroke
Many of these functions are also controlled by the endocannabinoid system. Using medical marijuana to treat insomnia restores your body’s internal balance. Often insomnia is a symptom of other problems, such as chronic pain. CBD-heavy medical marijuana strains can treat both problems.
Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida Today
Did you find any of your health conditions in this guide? If so, it’s time to get your medical marijuana card in Florida. Don’t let the stigma behind marijuana use prevent you from seeking relief. Chronic pain causes serious long-lasting health problems. Medical marijuana provides instant relief from almost all these problems. Do you still have questions about getting your medical marijuana card? Feel free to visit our blog or contact us to get started with a medical marijuana doctor in your area. (800) 250-6737.