Cannabis Effective in Easing Symptoms of Neuropathy: Relief without Troublesome Side Effects or Opioids
By Dan Reich
Neuropathy is one of the most common forms of chronic pain, and is caused by damage to the nervous system. Symptoms can include feelings of muscle weakness, numbness, tingling and burning. Affecting as many as 20 million Americans according to the National Institute of Health, it can be caused by disease (diabetes is the most common) but other autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disorders can also result in neuropathy.
Other causes include alcoholism, exposure to toxins, chemotherapy, HIV, Fibromyalgia, Shingles, surgery, viral infections and injuries. With diabetic neuropathy, the nerve damage is caused by chronically high blood sugar. Sufferers of neuropathy numbness in the feet (the most common location) can injure their feet without being aware of it, and can suffer infections or other complications.
Free radicals, which are generated when the body encounters stress, toxins, poor lifestyle habits, can damage nerve endings, exaggerating the effects of the condition. Cannabis is rich in antioxidants, helping to diminish oxidative stress and irritation.
Conventional pain relieving drugs have traditionally had a hard time mitigating the pain of neuropathy, as they usually work by reducing inflammation, which is a common source of pain. Neuropathic pain is not caused by inflammation but rather nerve damage, and due to the way that cannabinoids bind with the body’s pain receptors, they can block the sensation of pain.
Another advantage provided by medical cannabis is that topicals, such as Synergy’s double-strength Super Salve, with its 1:1 THC for optimum pain relief, can quickly direct relief to the affected area, instead of waiting for it to be absorbed by the entire body as would be the case with edibles or tinctures.
Further, it doesn’t take a lot of medicine to be effective. Nurse practitioner Lynn Haslam says she typically starts neuropathic pain patients on a low nighttime dose of a balanced CBD to THC oil (1:1). “We really want the pain managed so they can sleep,” she says. “Neuropathic pain typically gets worse at night, electric shock-like. We may not be able to diminish all of these sensations, but if we can restore sleep, which will help decrease pain during the day, that may be a reasonable goal.” If the 1:1 ratio is too strong, then start with a 4:1 blend.
Cannabis Pharmacy author Michael Backes writes that this study is particularly significant because the best results were observed at the lowest dose, highlighting “the unexpected medical effectiveness of cannabis dosages that are far below those commonly consumed within the medical community.”
Author Michael Backes details in his book Cannabis Pharmacy a study finding a single, small, inhalation of THC cannabis decreased neuropathic pain at a higher rate than did larger doses ( 2mg). Significantly, this is a non-pscho-active dose that would allow for patients to treat their pain without any alteration of consciousness.
A number of studies have established the efficacy of cannabis in relieving neuropathy symptoms. A 500-person study by the National Institute of Health revealed that more than 85% of participants reported a decrease in the amount of neuropathic pain. Other studies have indicated that THC, or balanced combinations of THC and CBD, effectively relieves neuropathic pain. ( Synergy Wellness offers 4:1 CBD:THC blends, #116 4:1 Sativa for daytime relief, #103 4:1 Indica for pain relief at night).
Certain strains, especially those high in CBD, have earned a reputation as being particularly effective, such as ACDC. Other popular strains for neuropathy include Granddaddy Purple, Sour Diesel and Blue Dream, which are high in THC for pain relief. Much like flower, vape cartridges provide a quick onset of relief. Synergy stocks high THC cartridges for rapid pain relief ; Blue Dream, Sour Diesel and the CBD-rich ACDC. If you want to avoid psychoactive effects, topicals and suppositories are extremely effective for providing pain relief without getting you high.
Whatever your preferred method of consuming cannabis, whether edibles, tinctures, topicals, capsules or flower, if you suffer from neuropathy there is probably a product that will provide the relief you are seeking. We are happy to consult with you to help you find the solution that will work best for you.
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