How Does Cannabis Help With Neuropathic Pain

2009.05.03

There can be many different types of injuries that can cause pain and the way to relieve that pain can also come in many forms and varieties. Those who have ever suffered from a nervous system disorder, infection or even trauma can experience neuropathic pain, which can be caused by a dysfunction or damage to the nervous system. In some case pot is showing some promise in helping with these problems


The symptoms may include shooting pains, numbness, tingling sensations, a crawling or itchy feeling and even the slightest touch can seem to cause extreme pain. Neuropathic pain is extremely difficult to treat and more than 270 million people worldwide are estimated to suffer through this type of problem. The difficulty can be compounded by the fact that many suffer this type of pain throughout the whole body and its source cannot be isolated.  When you hear of discomfort and pain such as this then one has to admit if a joint could relieve just a bit of that suffering it would be well worth not condemning the use of it.
Different Drug Treatments for Neuropathic Pain
-Antidepressants
Many kinds of antidepressants have an analgesic effect and can help get rid of the pain, but the only one that has gotten approval so far by the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) for being a recognized treatment for pain relief is Duxloxetine.

Unfortunately, there can be noticeable side effects and like other medication that has addictive qualities, should be researched fully if you decide on this course of action.
-Anticonvulsants

Another form of treatment for neuropathic pain can be different kinds of anticonvulsants. Some of the standard choices for this type of treatment are Gabapentin and Pregabalin even though scientists have not seen definitive study results yet. Some people can experience fatigue, sleep disorders and dizziness when using these drugs for pain relief.

-Opioids
If you have ever been addicted to some form of drug you should be very careful before taking opioids as they can become very addictive and can even cause a physical dependency  (not to be confused with a physical addiction ). In some conditions involving neuropathic pain, opioids such as morphine and oxycodone have been used to alleviate the pain. Unfortunately, with opoids some symptoms of side effects include nausea, vomiting, sedation, sleep disorders, dizziness and even respiratory depression.

When one looks at the strengths and addictive qualities such as some of these drugs along with the side effects then it certainly puts weed in a totally different category.
 
-Other Medications
Currently there are many studies being conducted on the use of Cannabis or marijuana as a pain reliever. Throughout history, many cultures have used this drug for its medicinal qualities. The main substance found in cannabis that has shown potential as a neuropathic pain remedy is THC (TetraHrydroCannabinol) and though it has psychoactive qualities, it is not as addictive to the body as opoids and has many less side effects. Psychostimulants, sedatives, anxiolytics and tranquilizers are a few of the other medications used for neuropathic pain control.

There are other methods for treatment of pain ( depending on the severity ) that don’t necessarily include drugs such as exercise, relaxation and meditation, physical rehabilitation, breath work, body therapy, homeopathic remedies and aromatherapy to name but a few. They may not work for everyone but might be an alternative for some. Talk with your physician; he will work with you to find relief for your neuropathic pain.