Chronic pain is one of the toughest conditions to live with. There is no standard test for it, it can take many forms, and it often varies wildly from person to person. Most patients are understandably reluctant to rely upon traditional prescription painkillers, many of which are addictive. But what is the alternative to living in constant pain?
Many studies have suggested that medical marijuana can assist in the treatment of chronic pain, and this could offer a lifeline to many people who are suffering daily.
What is Chronic Pain?
Anyone can experience chronic pain in any part of the body, and it can have a harmful effect on your everyday life.
How is chronic pain defined? Simply put, it can be defined as a pain that will not go away and cannot be easily attributed to any one cause. It can occur at any site on the body, be it head, neck, back, limbs or any other area, and can defined as either nociceptive (which means that its root is damaged tissue) or neuropathic (which means that the pain is coming from a malfunctioning nervous system).
As there is no strict test for pain, and because it varies from person to person and medical professionals rely on the testimony of their suffering patients, it is often very hard to find causes and treatments for pain.
Why Use Medical Marijuana as an Alternative Therapy?
Patients have long turned to alternative therapies for pain management, including acupuncture, reiki, diet and other methods. Due to the addictive nature of opioid painkillers, many patients do not want to get into a cycle of carefully killing their pain while running the risk of becoming addicted, having to detox, and then being left without a way of managing their crippling pain.
Medical marijuana is a logical step for anyone attempting to manage chronic pain. It is a natural therapy that comes in many forms, so there really is an option for everyone.
Although smoking medical cannabis is the most popular form of therapy for pain, there are many delicious edible recipes out there.
Smoking is clearly the most popular option when it comes to medical marijuana, but did you know that you can also get edible medical marijuana, vape pens and even body rubs? These are just some of the many options offered to patients who need help with chronic pain management. Body rubs, roll-ons and creams containing THC or CBD have also proved incredibly helpful for those suffering from chronic pain, as the ingredients attack the pain at the site.
However, if you’d rather focus on smoking medical marijuana, there are definitely some strains out there that will help you in chronic pain management. Edibles are also an excellent option, as they feel like a real treat in the form of yummy cakes, lollipops or chocolate bars. Vapes are really convenient and easily transportable, whereas traditional joints for smoking are best kept for use in the privacy of your home due to their distinctive smell. The smell of medical marijuana actually can be linked to its power in fighting pain, so in this case, the smellier, the better!
Types of MMJ Used for Pain
White Widow, Super Bud and Master Kush are a few types of medical cannabis used to treat pain.
Jack Herer and Super Bud are two strains that are known for assisting in nerve pain, which is a very common form of pain and one of the hardest to treat. White Widow and Northern Lights are best for muscle pain, as they are linked to relaxation (which can help for body parts that are ravaged with tension). Master Kush and Afghan Kush are great all-round pain relievers, and may prove helpful for anyone who isn’t really sure where to start when treating pain with medical marijuana.
Medical Cannabis Advice from Experts
Your local dispensary can be an invaluable source in talking to an expert. They will have dealt with many patients with varying levels and conditions of pain, and will be able to advise you on what works and doesn’t work in relation to the management of chronic pain through medical marijuana.
It may also be helpful to talk to your doctor or a medical professional in relation to managing your pain, especially if you are reluctant to go down the route of traditional opioid painkillers. You will need to speak to a medical professional to gain a MMJ card if you do not already have one, and depending on your state’s laws, you’ll have to meet strict criteria that fits a definition of chronic pain.
It is important to visit a liberal medical professional who takes medical marijuana seriously and views it as a legitimate treatment, as not all medical professionals believe this to be the case.
Although studies have proven that MMJ can effectively treat pain, it’s ultimately up to you if you want to try it.
Studies exist that strongly support evidence that medical marijuana can assist in the treatment of chronic pain without the addictive quality of traditional painkillers. The key is to try different strains, as well as different forms of medical marijuana. Get advice from medical dispensaries and medical professionals, but the choice is yours.
There is a strain that works for everyone, and it’s about finding the correct treatment for you so that you can live the best life possible without your chronic pain holding you back.