Many people suffering from debilitating nerve pain have asked, “can medical marijuana help neuropathy?” This is because medical marijuana has multiple benefits. In this article, discover more information on this topic and how we can make sense of the available data when considering the efficacy of medical marijuana usage for neuropathy.
What is neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a disorder of the nerves that affects the muscles and tissues in the body. The pain can be severe and can affect any part of the body. There is no one cause for neuropathy, but it may be caused by a variety of conditions, including diabetes, HIV infection, and autoimmune disorders. Traumatic injuries, metabolic issues, genetic reasons, and exposure to toxins are also potential causes of neuropathy.
Weakness, numbness, and pain are common symptoms of neuropathy, which develop when the peripheral nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord are damaged. These symptoms typically affect the hands and feet. Additionally, it may have an impact on many bodily processes like digestion, urination, and circulation.
The remainder of your body receives information from your brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) through your peripheral nervous system. Additionally, the central nervous system receives sensory data from the peripheral nerves.
Symptoms of Neuropathy
Neuropathy symptoms can vary, but common symptoms include numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty moving the fingers or toes, and pain in the legs.
Neuropathic pain can range from mild annoyance to very severe and debilitating. Chronic pain is a common symptom seen in those who have numbness or tingling in the feet, which other medical treatments do not relieve.
Treatments for Neuropathy
Medical marijuana has been shown to be effective in treating various conditions, including neuropathy. Studies have shown that marijuana can help reduce pain and inflammation in the body. It can also help improve nerve function and improve the overall quality of life for people with neuropathy.
Cannabis: Can medical marijuana help neuropathy?
Cannabis-based treatments for various medical conditions continue to gain widespread acceptance, with many people citing medical marijuana as a potential solution for neuropathy symptoms.
Available data supports the efficacy of cannabis in its flower form when used as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy for the relief of neuropathic pain of various etiologies. Many studies also report secondary benefits, including better sleep and functional improvement.
Cannabis’ THC and CBD can bind to certain cannabinoid receptors in the brain and peripheral nervous system, reducing the tingling, numbness, and persistent pain associated with diabetic neuropathy.
They help control neurotransmitters when they interact with these receptors, facilitating better and more evenly distributed pain signaling. Medical marijuana’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties also aid in lessening the discomfort brought on by diabetic neuropathy.
Free radicals, which the body produces in response to stress, pollutants, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and other factors, can harm nerve terminals and amplify the disorder’s symptoms. Cannabis has several healthy, antioxidant-rich chemicals that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
Conclusion
Neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves in your body. It can cause pain, reduced motion, and tingling sensations. Many people find relief from these symptoms through the use of medical marijuana. While there is still some research to be conducted on the matter, current research suggests that marijuana can be an effective treatment for neuropathy. If you are considering using medical marijuana, speak with your doctor first to be sure if medical marijuana can help with your neuropathy.