Medical Marijuana For Chronic Pain
Dr. Meredith Warner, the founder of Warner Orthopedics & Wellness, is officially certified to recommend patients for access to medical marijuana in the State of Louisiana.
Our clinic does not prescribe medical cannabis – Dr. Warner can only recommend those with qualifying conditions for a Louisiana Medical Marijuana card.
Dr. Warner decided to become certified to recommend due to the amazing benefits of this holistic plant-based therapy. The benefits of medical cannabis are still being researched, but it is most well-known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea and pain-relieving benefits.
Since many of our patients suffer from chronic pain, we are excited to offer access to this natural therapy. Here’s how medical marijuana helps relieve chronic pain:
An Alternative To Opioids
According to the CDC, chronic pain is one of the most common reasons adults in the United States seek medical care.
Opioids are prescribed to those suffering from chronic pain and to those recovering from painful surgeries. While in some cases opioids are necessary, particularly in circumstances where patients are experiencing immense, recurring pain that impacts their day-to-day lives, there are many risks associated with opioid use.
Some opioids can be habit-forming and have other worrisome side effects. Addiction is an obvious problem with opioids and America is in the throes of a severe opioid epidemic at the moment.
Medical cannabis has been researched at the basic science level for decades as an effective alternative to commonly prescribed heavy pain relievers.
Since local clinical research is new, clinical studies rely on patients self-reporting their pain levels before and after using cannabis. In a 2017 study, 2/3rds of the participants reported a noticeable decrease in their chronic pain.
How Does Medical Marijuana Reduce Pain?
Medical cannabis is filled with phytochemicals that engage your body’s regulatory, or endocannabinoid system. This regulatory system controls your pain and inflammation responses, hunger signals, mood, and more.
These cannabis compounds interact mainly with CB1 and CB2 receptors in your body. “ The CB2 receptors, localized outside of the central nervous system, have also been implicated in pain management.”
By binding to and engaging with receptors throughout this system, medical cannabis can help reduce an over-eager inflammatory response, help relieve pain, and restore balance. In particular, medical cannabis triggers the abundant CB1 receptors found in the brain and can have a profound effect on physical pain and functioning.
Chronic intractable pain is one of the qualifying conditions that will allow you to access a Louisiana Medical Marijuana card.
If you are suffering from debilitating, recurring pain – make your appointment with Dr. Warner today to discuss receiving an official recommendation.
