Medical Marijuana for Chronic Pain

What is chronic nonmalignant pain?

According to the International Society for the Study of Pain, pain is an “unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage.” When it comes to chronic nonmalignant pain, or CNMP, the unpleasant and emotional experience associated with pain has lasted three or more months. However, CNMP is not limited only to this definition. Chronic nonmalignant pain can also be classified as any pain that has persisted past the time of estimated healing. Under these guidelines it can be the result of trauma to the affected area or other locations on the body affected due to trauma that originated elsewhere. A CNMP diagnosis can also be the result of diseases that cause chronic pain as well.

What can cause chronic nonmalignant pain?

There are several causes of CNMP that patients could be considered in need of treatment. Some of the most common are: headaches or migraines, spine curvature, postsurgical pain, post-trauma pain, lower back pain, pain from cancer, arthritic pain, pain resulting from nerve damage, psychogenic pain (not resulting from disease, injury, or nerve damage), chronic fatigue syndrome, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome), temporomandibular joint dysfunction (painful clicking, popping or locking of jaw) and vulvodynia (chronic pain in the vulva). Some of the other causes of CNMP that are more preventable are: years of poor posture, improper lifting and carrying (especially heavy objects), obesity, wearing high heels, and sleeping on low-quality mattresses. Lifting with your legs, maintaining good posture while sitting, standing or even laying, reduced frequency of wearing heels, and investing in a good mattress with proper support for your back are all lifestyle changes you can make to help mitigate some of these causes of CNMP.

Medical Marijuana Pain Management

Medical marijuana and chronic pain relief has been an area of interest to doctors and scientists who are trying to provide relief for patients who suffer CNMP. It is now legal in Florida to treat chronic nonmalignant pain with medical cannabis. Medical marijuana pain relief has become an increasingly more popular treatment method, and patients have reported fewer side effects than conventional pain medications that often come with stigmas attached to them like addiction or overdose. According to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, there is also evidence to support the notion that medical cannabis is just as effective as opioids (which are the leading cause drug overdoses resulting in death in America) for treating CNMP. 34% of the patients in the study reported using opioid medications to during the past six months to reduce chronic pain. Of that 34%, patients “overwhelmingly reported that cannabis provided relief on par with their other medications, but without the unwanted side effects.” Medical marijuana can help if you or a loved one suffer from chronic nonmalignant pain, especially if you are cautious about traditional pain medications and the negative side effects often associated with them.

Medical Marijuana in Tampa, FL

For more about medical cannabis for chronic pain click here or visit our Tampa, Beverly Hills, or Hudson, FL office. Alternatively, you can call us 727-202-4325. 100% legal, compassionate care for you!