Chronic pain is a common condition that affects many Canadians. It can be difficult to manage the symptoms. Many people often turn to prescription painkillers, however, this solution is can have negative outcomes. Prescription painkillers is highly addictive. Cannabis is a natural substance that can help relieve chronic pain. As the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a key role in maintaining overall homeostasis and regulating pain responses, using cannabis as a treatment for chronic pain makes sense.
What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than six months and it can affect the body in different ways. Some people may feel pain all the time or just when you move a particular part of the body. The pain can feel dull, achy, numbness, burning or tingling. You may also feel fatigued, or be uncomfortable when trying to sleep. Some people may even have mood changes, irritability, anxiety, or depression as a result of chronic pain.
How does the ECS influence pain?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a key role in maintaining overall homeostasis and regulating pain responses. When you experience pain, cannabinoid receptors in your nerve cells mediate the sensation and encourage the brain to respond. The ECS works in tandem with other neurotransmitter systems, such as the dopaminergic and serotoninergic pathways. But the ECS is particularly involved in the transition from pain to feelings of pleasure and relaxation. If you have suffer from chronic pain, your ECS may communicate with your cannabinoid receptors and alter its function so that you feel pain more often. Cannabinoids found in cannabis affects these cannabinoid receptors thus easing the symptoms of chronic pain by reducing the pain intensity or eliminating the pain completely.
How to relieve chronic pain with cannabis
There are several ways to consume cannabis when it comes to treating chronic pain.
- Smoke a joint – This is the most popular method to consume cannabis. It is convenient and most cost-effective. This is also ideal if you are looking for an instant high.
- Vape – Vaping is extremely popular because of its discreetness. You can vape almost anywhere. Vaping does not produce the famous skunk smell that you would get from smoking a joint.
- Edibles – Edibles are often recommended for a longer lasting high. You can ingest as much or as little as you would like depending on your needs. However, it is important to remember that it does take up to an hour for the effects of edibles to kick in. It is highly recommended to wait until you feel the effects before you take a 2nd dose.
- Topicals – When it comes to muscle pain, topicals are an easy choice. Topicals are absorbed through the skin. You can use the topicals directly where you are feeling the pain. Topicals come in different forms such as patches, creams, lotions, balms and salves.
Conclusion
Chronic pain is a serious condition that can greatly affect the quality of life for sufferers. For many people, managing the condition can be challenging and require the use of medication. There is hope, though. Research shows that cannabinoids, found in cannabis, can reduce chronic pain. Talk to your doctor about using cannabis as an alternative treatment. Visit Bcmedichronic.co online dispensary today.
