Can Medical Herbal Remedies Relieve Chronic Back Pain and
Fibromyalgia Symptoms?
Over the past two decades, the cannabis plant, commonly
known as marijuana, has been a subject of interest in the medical community. In
some states, medical marijuana is already available for certain conditions. Its
efficacy as a pain reliever has been well-established. Although cannabis is
most often associated with relieving cancer pain and loss of appetite, its
analgesic qualities could prove promising for people with back pain,
fibromyalgia and a number of other chronic pain conditions.
How Does Cannabis Relieve Pain?
Much like the opioid receptor system in the body that allows
endorphins to have their pleasant, pain-relieving effects, the body also has a
cannabinoid receptor system. There are three kinds of cannabinoids:
endocannabinoids (made by the body), phytocannabinoid (made by marijuana
plants) and synthetic cannabinoids produced in a laboratory.
The cannabis plant contains a number of cannabinoids, each
with its own qualities. The three most important components for this discussion
are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and beta-caryophyllene. THC
is a mild pain reliever and the main psychoactive component of marijuana. CBD
reduces spasms, inflammation, nausea and anxiety. Beta-caryophellene is a
strong anti-inflammatory cannabinoid, and is found in highest concentration in
cannabis essential oils.
Research
The most recent theory on fibromyalgia suggests that the
brains of its sufferers process pain abnormally, or that excessive pain signals
are sent to the brain. Increasing the amount of cannabinoids available to the
body can help to counteract the pain of fibrmyalgia. A small study, whose
results were published in the April, 2011 issue of PLoS One, showed
fibromyalgic cannabis users to report significant reductions in pain and
stiffness. A full summary can be viewed at
Chronic back pain often involves inflammation, muscle spasms
and/or nerve pain. Cannabis has been shown to relieve all of these symptoms,
though studies into neuropathic pain relief have been most prominent. A small
study led by Mark Ware, MD, tested the effects of cannabis with varying THC
potencies on pain relief. Those who received the highest potency, 9.4%,
reported significantly reduced pain. Read more about this study at
Some sources estimate that street marijuana contains 10-15%
THC, more than needed for pain management. This may answer an important
question for those considering medical marijuana: Do I have to get high? The
answer is no. Since THC is the main psychoactive component in marijuana,
reducing its levels and increasing the levels of CBD will result in fewer
psychological effects while still relieving pain. There are clinics in states
that allow medical marijuana that offer strains of high-CBD, low-THC cannabis.
The Debate
Marijuana is classified as an illicit substance, which has
created a stigma around it. More and more, science is discovering the
therapeutic effects of this plant, and even working to synthesize its
cannabinoids in the lab. Until the safety of the synthetic compounds is
supported by solid evidence, however, referring to nature's source is most
advisable.
Some are concerned about the potential of dependence
associated with drugs. However, many accepted prescriptions pain medications,
including opioids, are highly addictive. Cannabis has actually been shown to
limit opioid dependence. Aside from habitual addiction, which is a concern with
any medication, there is no indication that cannabis poses dependency issues. A
host of other damaging health effects associated with common pain-killers, such
as stomach, kidney and liver damage, as well as overdose, are not associated
with marijuana use.
The most popular method of use for cannabis is smoking. Lung
and throat irritation are valid concerns for people who are considering medical
marijuana for prolonged pain management. Further research is needed to assess
the efficacy of cannabis administered orally or through a ventilator.
As with any pain medication, cannabis is not the cure for a
painful condition. Rather, it is a useful tool for pain management that should
be used to temporarily alleviate symptoms while pursuing a treatment plan that
attacks the source of your pain.
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