Traditionally, treatment for musculoskeletal pain has involved a combination of physical therapy, over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs, and in more severe cases, strong opioid painkillers. While these options can be effective in managing pain, they often come with significant risks and side effects. This has led many patients and healthcare providers to explore safer, more natural alternatives – one of the most promising being medical cannabis.

Understanding Musculoskeletal Pain

Musculoskeletal pain can arise from a wide variety of causes, including:

• Arthritis or osteoarthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Back pain or herniated discs
• Tendinitis or bursitis
• Muscle strains or ligament injuries
• Chronic conditions like lupus or myofascial pain syndrome

Symptoms vary depending on the root cause but often include stiffness, aching, sharp or shooting pain, inflammation, fatigue, and a reduced range of motion. Chronic musculoskeletal pain can take a serious toll on quality of life, often requiring long-term management strategies.

The Limitations of Traditional Painkillers

Opioids are commonly prescribed for moderate to severe musculoskeletal pain, especially when the pain is persistent and resistant to other treatments. However, while effective in the short term, opioids are associated with a host of side effects including drowsiness, constipation, tolerance, dependence, and a high risk of addiction. Long-term use can lead to opioid use disorder, a growing public health crisis.

Even non-opioid medications such as NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) carry risks when used long-term – including gastrointestinal issues, increased blood pressure, and kidney problems.

Given these concerns, there’s increasing interest in alternative pain management therapies – and one of the most talked-about is medical cannabis.

How Medical Cannabis Helps with Pain

Cannabis has been used medicinally for centuries, and modern science is beginning to catch up with its therapeutic potential. The plant contains over 100 cannabinoids, the most well-known being THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). These compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) – a complex cell-signalling system that helps regulate processes like pain, mood, sleep, and immune response.

Here’s how medical cannabis may help relieve musculoskeletal pain:

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Inflammation is a key component of many musculoskeletal conditions, especially in arthritis and autoimmune disorders. Both THC and CBD have been shown to reduce inflammation by interacting with immune cells and suppressing pro-inflammatory signals. This can help decrease swelling and pain, and improve joint function.

Pain Signal Modulation‍

Cannabinoids can influence how pain signals are transmitted to the brain. THC, in particular, activates certain cannabinoid receptors (CB1) in the central nervous system, which may reduce the perception of pain. For patients experiencing neuropathic or deep muscular pain, this can offer significant relief.

Muscle Relaxation‍

Medical cannabis may help relax tight or spasming muscles, which is particularly beneficial for people with conditions like fibromyalgia or lower back pain. This muscle-relaxing effect may also contribute to better sleep, a common struggle for chronic pain sufferers.

Improved Sleep and Mental Health‍

Chronic musculoskeletal pain often goes hand-in-hand with insomnia, anxiety, or depression. Cannabis can help regulate sleep patterns and improve mood through its interaction with the ECS, offering a holistic approach to pain management. CBD, in particular, has shown promise for its calming and anti-anxiety properties.

Cannabis vs. Opioids: A Safer Option?

While more large-scale research is needed, preliminary studies and patient testimonials suggest that medical cannabis can be a viable alternative to opioids for managing chronic musculoskeletal pain. In fact, some patients have reported reducing or eliminating their opioid use after starting medical cannabis treatment – a promising trend amid the opioid epidemic.

Cannabis generally has a much lower risk profile than opioids. While it’s not completely free of side effects (e.g., dizziness, dry mouth, psychoactive effects with THC), it is not physically addictive in the same way opioids are and carries no risk of fatal overdose.

Is Medical Cannabis Right for You?

Musculoskeletal pain can be life-limiting, but new treatment options like medical cannabis are giving hope to those who suffer daily. With its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and muscle-relaxing properties, cannabis offers a natural, potentially safer alternative to traditional painkillers — and a path toward better quality of life.

At Mamedica, we’re dedicated to supporting patients in exploring the potential of medical cannabis to help with chronic pain. You can check your eligibility or book a free consultation to explore whether medical cannabis may be a suitable option for you or your loved one.