Chronic pain affects more Americans than cancer, diabetes, and heart disease combined. Many sufferers rely on addictive prescription medications. Medical marijuana has emerged as a popular alternative, with pain management physicians at Metro Pain Centers recommending it for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
Medical Marijuana Provides Evidence-Based Relief
Once surrounded by stigma, medical marijuana now has substantial evidence supporting its use. Notably, 62% of people who use medical marijuana use it for their chronic pain.
Marijuana contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which — when taken orally, topically, or inhaled — activates the body's natural cannabinoid receptors, reducing pain perception and inflammation. Conditions that may benefit include:
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Migraines and headaches
- Multiple sclerosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Muscle spasms
- Joint pain
- Cancer-related pain
- Back and neck pain
Cannabis use for medicinal purposes traces back to 2900 BC in China. By the 19th century, European and American doctors had published over 100 papers on its effects, and modern clinical trials continue to support it as effective pain therapy.
You May Be a Candidate
Patients who suffer from chronic pain and wish to reduce opioid dependence may be good candidates. At a Metro Pain Centers evaluation, the medical team assesses overall health and determines whether a patient's condition may respond to medical marijuana. If appropriate, the specialist assists with obtaining a medical marijuana card.
An Alternative to Opioids
Opioids carry serious side effects, withdrawal risks, and contribute to thousands of overdose deaths annually. Medical marijuana offers a path to symptom management without addiction risk, potentially enabling patients to participate more fully in daily activities and improve overall quality of life.