Chronic pain is a concern for millions of Americans. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimated about 50 million Americans had chronic pain in 2016. This can have a significant impact on their ability to work and participate in activities of daily living.
Many of these individuals have been prescribed opioid medication, which can lead to addiction or dependency. There is an alternative for many looking to relieve pain but don’t want to take addictive medicines. Medical marijuana has been a viable treatment option for many in states where it is legal.
Medical marijuana is an innovative treatment option that has shown great success. In the correct dose, patients have less pain and better function without feeling high. There are many reasons why medical marijuana is showing success for pain management in Gainesville, Fl.
Why Opioids Put You at Risk
All medications come with risks and side effects, and opioids do, as well. Fortunately, opioids do not put you at risk for organ damage, but if too many are taken at once, there is a risk of slowing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and even death.
Though they are effective for managing short-term pain, taken at high doses, they can stop your breathing. So, what constitutes a “high dose”? It may actually be a lower amount than you think, making opioids deceptively dangerous. And studies have shown that opioids are very useful in the short-term, but they lose much of their effect over the long-term. There are also other side effects to understand, including constipation and memory loss, all of which need to be considered when taking the medication.
Many people are concerned with the medication and wonder what other options may be available to decrease pain.
How Medical Marijuana Can Be Effective for Chronic Pain
Our medical marijuana doctor in Gainesville believes medical marijuana can be very effective for patients in certain scenarios. Many patients have found great success with medical marijuana in the treatment of their chronic pain.
The proper use of marijuana is not about getting high but is about treating chronic pain. In the appropriate doses, patients experience less pain and more functioning in their daily lives. Their overall quality of life gets better.
Treatment plans are individualized for each patient, and that includes doses and way the marijuana is taken. Our doctor will work with you to determine what is best in your situation.
Many wonder if marijuana is safe. It has minimal side effects, and patients are relieved to know it is doctor recommended. There is zero risk of an overdose death from medical marijuana as a sole agent.
We also work with patients to find the correct dose to minimize side effects, including feeling “high.” The goal is to find pain relief and increase the ability to participate in activities of daily living.
What About CBD in Gainesville, Fl?
CBD is a chemical found in the marijuana and hemp plants. CBD derived from marijuana is illegal federally. CBD derived from hemp is legal in all 50 states. CBD is used to improve symptoms of epilepsy but has also been found effective for anxiety, insomnia, and pain.
CBD does not cross the blood-brain barrier, so it doesn’t get into the brain. Therefore, there is no feeling “high” with using CBD. Because CBD is legal, it also would not cause you to fail a drug screen for work or at a doctor’s office. At Advanced Pain Medical Center, we offer hemp-derived CBD products that contain zero THC, so you can rest assured that the product will not negatively affect your body, your mind, your employment, or your relationship with your doctor.
It can be a helpful alternative treatment for conditions often treated with medication with side effects that can be uncomfortable or addictive.
Where Can I Find More Information About Treatment Options?
At Advanced Pain Medical Center, we believe in exploring all treatment options to find the one that fits your needs. Our team listens to you with compassion and care to be assured you are in the right hands.
Our physician, Dr. Stewart, is a pain specialist offering patients the achievable goals of less pain and more function. With a multitude of treatments, Dr. Stewart and his team are focused on designing personalized therapies and customized alternatives for each patient
At Advanced Pain Medical Center, we offer high-quality services such as innovative:
- medical marijuana solutions,
- pain management,
- regenerative medicine,
- ketamine infusion therapy,
- IV therapy and much more!
Contact us for an appointment or with any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you.
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. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
