Multiple sclerosis (MS), a lifelong degenerative condition, has no known cure. This disease affects the functions of the brain and spinal cord, and it is also an autoimmune disorder that damages a patient’s immune system.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, some 2.5 million people around the world have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis between the ages of 20 and 40. Its cause is also yet not known, thus the symptoms could be quite unpredictable and differ between patients. However, studies have shown that medical marijuana may be a viable treatment option to help slow down the progression, or lessen the symptoms of MS.
Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
Multiple sclerosis causes damage to the proteins that protect the cells of the nerves. This then leads the nerves to send mixed and overactive signals in the body, or fail to transmit the signals altogether.
Thus, a person with MS may experience the following symptoms:
- blurry vision, double vision or diminished vision
- problems with balance and gait
- dizziness
- difficulty in cognition
- bladder and bowel control issues
- fatigue and weakness
- tingling and numbness in the face, fingers, arms and legs
- spasm, stiffness or pain in the joints and muscles
- sexual dysfunction
How Medical Marijuana Helps MS Symptoms
Medical marijuana, Gainesville provides a thorough, scientifically proven, and safe treatment of diseases using medical marijuana. Marijuana, or cannabis, is a drug that comes from the cannabis plant. It contains chemicals that affect the body in different ways. Research into its impact is largely focused on two components — tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC helps with muscle control problems, but may cause a person to get “high.” CBD, on the other hand, doesn’t cause this feeling, and it is used to treat body pain and inflammation, or to control seizures.
A study in the journal Frontiers in Neurology showed that CBD can help lessen pain in the joints and muscles, or reduce spasms and fatigue when used as a supplement alongside other treatments. Another study published in Bentham Science determined the effectiveness of CDB as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative protector of the neurons that may help patients of MS, as well as people with Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease.
Most MS patients in a large-scale study published in the American Journal of Managed Care revealed that they experienced positive improvements with cannabis use. Marijuana may also ease up on sleep issues that are common to people with degenerative medical conditions.
While the scientific evidence suggests that medical marijuana has its benefits, MS patients must discuss this treatment option with their medical marijuana doctor before proceeding.
Potential Side Effects of Medical Marijuana in MS Patients
Several states have laws allowing the use of marijuana as a medical treatment, albeit in limited and heavily regulated quantities. It may either be smoked, vaped or taken orally as this is sold in oil form in legal marijuana dispensaries. Some patients use purely CBD or purely THC, while others use a CBD/THC mix.
However, experts from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society have also not been remiss in citing that there are possible side effects to using medical marijuana as a means for managing symptoms of multiple sclerosis, which may include:
- Dryness in the mouth and eyes
- Headache
- Increase in heart rate
- Increase in hunger
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sedateness
- Lung damage
About Advanced Pain Medical Center – medical marijuana, Gainesville
Advanced Pain Medical Center is a pain clinic that offers services, such as innovative medical marijuana solutions, pain management and regenerative medicine. If you suffer from pain, multiple sclerosis (MS), or another chronic disease, schedule an appointment with our expert in Gainesville today!
If you have any other questions, please contact us with your queries.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Therefore, always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health
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