Migraines are not just ordinary headaches; they are debilitating and often come with distressing symptoms that can turn your day into a nightmare. For those seeking relief, the potential benefits of cannabis for migraines have garnered increasing attention.
According to Mayo Clinic, a migraine is characterized by severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, typically affecting one side of the head. These intense headaches are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and an extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can persist for hours to days, wreaking havoc on one’s daily activities. Some individuals even experience a warning sign known as an aura before or during a migraine, including visual disturbances, tingling sensations, and difficulty speaking.
If you’ve ever experienced a migraine, you understand the desperate need for effective relief. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential use of cannabis as a treatment for migraines. But does it really help with this type of chronic pain? In this blog, we’ll delve into the scientific findings and anecdotal evidence surrounding cannabis for migraines.
Cannabis for Migraines: An Effective Treatment
The use of marijuana to alleviate migraines isn’t a novel concept. However, in recent years, scientists have started to unravel why cannabis might be effective for migraine relief. One study, in particular, examined the impact of both ingested and inhaled cannabis on migraine sufferers, shedding light on its potential efficacy.
This study revealed some promising results:
- Approximately 40 percent of the 121 participants reported positive effects from using medical cannabis.
- The frequency of migraines decreased significantly, dropping from an average of 10.4 to just 4.6 per month.
- Remarkably, nearly 20 percent of participants found that medical cannabis helped prevent their chronic headaches.
- Around 11.6 percent of patients even claimed that cannabis completely halted their migraines.
- A whopping 85 percent of participants reported experiencing fewer migraines each month thanks to medical marijuana.
Interestingly, while both ingestion and inhalation showed positive outcomes, inhaling cannabis provided the fastest relief and reduced the overall frequency of migraines. These findings could be life-changing for the approximately five million Americans who suffer from at least one migraine each month.
Marijuana for Migraines: Symptoms Treated
To understand why cannabis can effectively manage migraines, it’s essential to grasp the role of cannabinoids, the natural compounds found in marijuana. When cannabis is consumed, these cannabinoids enter the body, seeking out the cannabinoid receptors within the endocannabinoid system. Here’s how they can help alleviate migraine symptoms:
- Pain: Cannabinoids have the ability to modify how receptors process pain signals, providing relief from the excruciating pain associated with migraines.
- Anxiety: Migraine attacks often bring heightened anxiety. Cannabis can help calm the mind, reducing anxiety levels during an episode.
- Nausea: Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of migraines. Cannabis has been known to alleviate nausea, providing some much-needed relief.
- Muscle Spasms: For individuals with migraines accompanied by muscle tension and spasms, cannabis may help relax those muscles.
- Depression: The emotional toll of chronic migraines can lead to depression. Cannabis can have mood-enhancing effects, potentially countering depressive symptoms.
- Other Qualifying Conditions: It’s worth noting that cannabis may also be effective for other conditions that frequently co-occur with migraines, such as fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
While there are various ways to consume cannabis, migraine sufferers often find that inhaling it provides the quickest relief. This method allows for better control over the appropriate dosage, ensuring that the medicine is tailored to the individual’s needs.
Ready To Take Your First Step Toward Migraine Relief?
When it comes to cannabis for migraines, at Pause Pain & Wellness, our team of pain management providers, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners recognize the potential of medical marijuana as an alternative to traditional pain medications and other drugs that may carry unwanted side effects or a higher risk of abuse and addiction. We understand the importance of finding effective relief for chronic pain conditions like migraines. Conveniently located clinics across Mississippi, including Oxford, Meridian, Flowood/Jackson, Tupelo, Olive Branch, Starkville, Hattiesburg, and Gulfport, are ready to assist you. If you’re considering medical cannabis as a treatment option for migraines or other chronic pain conditions, contact us at 833-940-5060. We’re here to help you take the first steps towards a life with fewer migraines and improved quality of life.