Introduction
Chronic pain represents a profound challenge in healthcare, persisting far beyond the expected period of healing. Traditional remedies and advancements in medicine have continuously sought to alleviate this issue. Remarkably, medical cannabis emerges as a modern solution, echoing its historical use for pain relief, including by figures such as Queen Victoria who was frequently prescribed medical cannabis for period pains. This article explores the resurgence of medical cannabis in pain management, underpinned by modern research and clinical practices.
Understanding Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a complex and persistent condition, often difficult to manage due to its multifaceted nature involving psychological, physical, and environmental factors. Defined as pain lasting longer than three months, It not only persists but can also trigger or worsen conditions like depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, significantly impacting quality of life. Often, the origin lurks not in tissue damage, but in altered pain processing pathways. This is caused by changed in the nervous system that make it more sensitive to pain signals.
Managing Chronic Pain: A Multidisciplinary Approach
Management and treatment of chronic pain often requires a multifaceted approach, tailored to individual needs. Medications like NSAIDs and Opioids offer relief, while antidepressants can target underlying mood disorders. Physical therapy aids in restoring function, and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) addressed psychological impacts. Lifestyle modifications can also improve overall well-being. However, sometimes these options are not enough and can also caused unwanted side effects. For example the long-term use of opioids such as codeine and morphine are not recommended for long-term pain relief because there is little evidence to support it and there is a risk of addiction and overdose.
The Potential of Medical Cannabis in Pain Relief
Cannabis has gained attention for its potential in treating a wide array of chronic pain conditions, from neuropathic pain, cancer pain, fibromyalgia, complex-regional pain syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and chemotherapy-induced pain to name a few. The therapeutic properties of cannabis are attributed to its key components, THC and CBD, which offer pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects, respectively. The balance between THC and CBD plays a pivotal role in tailoring treatment to individual needs, minimising side effects while maximising relief. Studies have shown medical cannabis can improve symptoms of pain, improve quality of life and lead to reduction in usage and reliance on opioid based medications.
How medical cannabis works to relieve pain
The effectiveness of medical cannabis in pain management is largely due to its interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system regulates various bodily processes, including pain sensation, mood, appetite, and memory. By influencing this system, cannabis can alter the perception of pain. The anti-inflammatory properties of medical cannabis are another crucial aspect of its pain-relieving effects. By reducing inflammation, cannabis can alleviate pain associated with various conditions, including neuropathic pain and cancer-associated pain providing relief where traditional medications may be inadequate.
Administering Medical Cannabis for Pain
The administration of medical cannabis has evolved, with a range of methods suited to different types of pain and patient preferences. Dried herb vaporizers, for example, offer a quick-acting solution without the harmful by-product's of smoking. Meanwhile, oils and capsules provide longer-lasting effects and convenience for sustained pain management. These methods offer safe ways to administer medical cannabis, whilst providing dosing control, which can help limit the side effects.
Consulting Healthcare Professionals
For those considering medical cannabis for pain relief, the first step is an informed discussion with healthcare providers. This ensures a thorough understanding of its benefits and risks, including potential interactions with existing medications. As evidence supporting medical cannabis grows, it offers a promising alternative or add-on therapy to traditional pain management strategies.
Medical cannabis represents a significant development in the ongoing quest to manage chronic pain. With its historical roots and modern scientific backing, it provides a new approach that requires careful consideration and guidance from trained healthcare professionals.
References
Sunderland P, Nutt DJ, Schlag AK. Medication sparing after medical cannabis initiation: A case study of a chronic pain patient in Project Twenty21. Drug Science, Policy and Law. 2023;9. doi:10.1177/20503245231157489
McMahon, A. et al. (2023) ‘Perceived effectiveness of medical cannabis among adults with chronic pain: Findings from interview data in a three-month pilot study’, Cannabis [Preprint]. doi:10.26828/cannabis/2023/000149.
Lara Bapir, Simon Erridge, Martha Nicholas, Manaswini Pillai, Nishaanth Dalavaye, Carl Holvey, Ross Coomber, Jonathan Hoare, Shaheen Khan, Mark W Weatherall, James J Rucker, Michael Platt & Mikael H Sodergren (2023) Comparing the effects of medical cannabis for chronic pain patients with and without co-morbid anxiety: A cohort study, Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 23:3, 281-295, DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2181696