Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Arthritis is a widespread chronic condition, causing inflamed and painful joints that make daily tasks feel impossible.
For those who find traditional treatments inadequate, medical cannabis presents a promising alternative. It’s no wonder it’s rapidly gaining popularity among Floridians as a viable option and alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals.
By harnessing the power of state regulated and lab-tested medical marijuana products, patients can access various selections that could help them find the relief they need to go about their daily lives more easily.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility.
It can occur in any joint, including the hands, knees, hips, and spine. There are over 100 forms of arthritis, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common.
Ultimately, arthritis can occur at any age or sex and is the leading disability among Americans — especially women.
Conventional Treatments for Arthritis
Several treatment options are available for arthritis, including medication, physical therapy, and surgery.
Medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help reduce joint inflammation and pain. However, they may cause side effects such as stomach upset, heartburn, and increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
Furthermore, many arthritis patients are prescribed narcotic options to reduce pain. However, powerful painkillers that contain opioids are extremely addictive and have led to increased overdose-related deaths nationwide.
Outside of medication, physical therapy can help improve joint flexibility and strengthen the muscles around the affected joint, while surgery may be necessary in severe cases. Physical therapy is the least invasive of the two primary conventional treatments compared to pharmaceutical pain medication and over-the-counter NSAIDs.
Medical Cannabis as an Alternative Treatment for Arthritis
Medical cannabis is becoming increasingly popular among arthritis patients as an alternative treatment option nationwide.
Medical marijuana contains cannabinoids, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to reduce inflammation and pain. Medical cannabis is available in various forms, including dry herb (flower), concentrate (extract), tinctures, edibles, and vape cartridges, and can be obtained with a prescription or recommendation from a certified cannabis doctor.
Cannabinoids and Arthritis
Cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
They work by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, crucial in regulating pain and inflammation. Research has shown that medical cannabis can help reduce pain and inflammation in arthritis patients, leading to improved quality of life.
A recent study found that cannabis use was associated with significant reductions in pain and improved sleep quality in patients with chronic pain, including those with arthritis. Another study published in the European Journal of Pain found that topical application of CBD reduced pain and inflammation in rats with arthritis.
The Power of Terpenes: Reducing Arthritis Inflammation and Pain with Medical Marijuana Terpenes are natural compounds found in various plants, including cannabis.
They are responsible for the plant’s aroma and flavor; recent studies suggest they may also have medicinal properties. Terpenes work in synergy with other cannabinoids like CBD and THC to produce various therapeutic effects, including pain and inflammation relief.
In the case of arthritis, terpenes found in medical marijuana can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. One terpene, particularly beta-caryophyllene, has shown significant promise in reducing inflammation and pain. It binds to CB2 receptors, primarily found in the immune system, and has anti-inflammatory effects.
Another terpene, limonene, has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce inflammation and pain by modulating the body’s immune response, which is often the cause of arthritis symptoms. Limonene is also a potent antioxidant, which can help protect the joints from oxidative stress.
Moreover, myrcene, another terpene found in medical marijuana, has been shown to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Myrcene can help reduce pain by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins responsible for inflammation and pain. It also enhances the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, allowing other cannabinoids to pass through and produce their therapeutic effects.
The Importance of Finding the Right Dosage for Maximum Relief
Finding the correct dosage of medical cannabis is crucial for arthritis patients to experience the maximum benefit.
It is recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase it until the desired effect is achieved. In Florida, medical marijuana patients can access various products that can help them find their correct dosage that gives the greatest relief with minimal psychoactive effects.
It’s important to note that different consumption methods will affect the onset time and duration of effects. Inhalation methods like vaporizing and smoking produce almost immediate results but don’t last as long as edibles.
Overall, finding the right dosage and method of consumption is a crucial step in the medical marijuana journey. By working with a healthcare professional or medical marijuana doctor and experimenting with different products and dosages, patients can experience temporary relief from arthritis.
Compassionate Healthcare of Florida
www.flmmjhealth.com
Call for Appointments (833) 633-3665
