Medical Marijuana and Back Pain: Essential Things to Know
According to the American Chiropractic Association, about 80% of the US population suffers from back pain at some point in their lives. It’s a very common occurrence, but it doesn’t mean that you have to endure it. There are ways to get rid of back pain and bring relief to your life. One of the recently discussed ones is medical marijuana.
How does medical marijuana ease chronic back pain? Keep reading to find out.
What Are the Causes of Back Pain?
There are many different causes of back pain. You could’ve injured your back while playing sports or working out. You could have a condition like herniated discs, which is a condition when the discs between your vertebrae, or the bones in your spinal column, tear or rupture. You could have a tumor or a slipped disc.
There are many different reasons why people suffer from back pain, and there are many different kinds of back pain. It’s best to consult your doctor to know whether you have a problem with your nervous system or your back pain is a symptom of another illness.
How Can Medical Marijuana Help against Back Pain?
Pain is the number one symptom of many conditions. When your pain is severe and it doesn’t subside, you need a way to deal with it so that you can live your life to the fullest.
While the effects of medical marijuana aren’t well-researched yet, there are some findings that show that medical marijuana can help back pain. This can be particularly useful when it comes to chronic pain.
You’re probably familiar with the term ‘muscle relaxer.” Muscle relaxers are available in many different kinds, but most of them are addictive and can cause unwanted side effects. Medical marijuana is very effective in treating muscle pain as a relaxer, without the risk of addiction and dangerous side effects.
Which Back Pain Symptoms Can Medical Marijuana Address?
Medical marijuana is able to relieve pain on many different levels. Here are some symptoms it can address:
1. Inflammation
Inflammation is one of the main causes of pain, and it can be found in several areas of the body. Marijuana is an anti-inflammatory, which means it can reduce the swelling and the pain associated with it.
2. Muscle Spasms
Marijuana helps you relax. This is really important when you suffer from muscle spasms, which are a major contributor to back pain.
3. Nausea
Medical marijuana is also known to decrease nausea, which is another common symptom of back pain. Many people report that the sensation of nausea is actually the most uncomfortable thing about the pain, so if you can get rid of that sensation, you’ll have a much easier time.
How Can You Use Medical Marijuana for Back Pain?
There are several ways in which you can use medical marijuana for back pain. The most common ones are:
1. Edibles
You can create your own marijuana-infused foods and treats, which are very effective. These assets are a great option for those who want to enjoy in the form of a delicious meal.
2. Tinctures
These are liquid marijuana, and you can take them by placing them under your tongue or by adding them to food.
3. Topicals
If you want to relieve your pain without smoking marijuana or ingesting it, you can use marijuana topicals. These are great for those who want pain relief but don’t want to gain a psychoactive experience.
4. Vapes
Also known as vaporizers, these are very popular for medical marijuana users. You can smoke marijuana in these, but you won’t inhale smoke, which means you won’t have to deal with lung problems.
Final Thoughts
If you suffer from chronic back pain, you should consider consulting your doctor to know whether medical marijuana would be a good option. It can help you in many ways, and it comes with a very low risk of side effects.
For more resources on addressing chronic back pain, check out Rhythmic Health. We aim to help people solve their health challenges and make the most of their lives. Aside from our products and guides, we also have an online back pain program that will give you the support you need. Message us today to get started.
