Chronic Pain Has Become Common But Cannabis Can Help

Chronic pain has a more common ailment than depression, diabetes and more.

Chronic pain has become common but cannabis can help. A recent study revealed chronic pain is as common or more than diabetes, depression, high blood pressure and more. The exhaustive study discovered 52 new cases of chronic pain per 1,000 people. It is higher than the rate for high blood pressure (45 new cases per 1,000) and far higher than the rates of new depression and diabetes cases.

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Roughly 50+ million American and Canadian suffer from chronic pain. The study found people ages 50 and were at higher risk of chronic pain. However, around 10% of adults who reported chronic pain in 2019 said they were pain-free in 2020.

Chronic pain is pain lasting over three months. The pain can be there all the time, or it may come and go. It interferes with daily activities including working, basic function like dressing or cooking, and your social life. It can lead to depression, anxiety and trouble sleeping, which can make the pain worse.

Common chronic pain includes:

• Arthritis, or joint pain.
• Back pain.
• Neck pain.
• Cancer pain near a tumor.
• Headaches, including migraines.
• Testicular pain (orchialgia).
• Lasting pain in scar tissue.
• Muscle pain all over (such as with fibromyalgia).

The way cannabis helps is due to the peripheral nerves, which detect pain sensations, contain abundant receptors for cannabinoids. Cannabinoids in the correct dosage can block peripheral nerve pain. And basic studies suggest opiates and cannabinoids suppress pain through different mechanisms. This means cannabis, which is not nearly as addictive as opiates, can provide a safer option.

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For those suffering from chronic pain, it is important to have a conversation with you medical provider. Cannabis can be a less addictive option if taken in the correct amount and frequency.  Microdosing has become common to manage anxiety and could be a solution for pain. Roughly 10% of people recover from chronic pain, so it is important to find a solid pathway to a functional life.