.png)
Those who suffer from sciatica know that the pain, numbness, and weakness this condition causes can stop life in its tracks. Missourians who suffer from sciatica may be surprised to find that cannabis may be the key to getting relief for their condition by reducing the intensity and frequency of their pain. For anyone who has been diagnosed with sciatica, that news is a ringing endorsement for getting your Missouri medical marijuana card.
What is Sciatica?
The medical experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine categorize Sciatica, which is also known as lumbar radiculopathy, as the pain that originates along your sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body, and extends from the back of the pelvis, along the back of the thigh.
Simply put, sciatica is the pain and symptoms that occur as a result of issues with that nerve. It can be a result of a herniated disc or the pinching or compression of the spine. Your risk of sciatica increases with height and weight, meaning the taller or heavier you are, the higher your risk.
How Common is Sciatica?
It’s important to note that just because your back hurts, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have sciatica. The good news is that medical marijuana can help chronic pain of all kinds, so you may still want to make a trip to your local dispensary if your back hurts.
Sciatica and its symptoms are a very common complaint. According to The Cleveland Clinic, approximately forty percent of people in the United States will experience sciatica at some point in their lives.
What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica?
The symptoms of sciatica can vary, and while they can affect both legs, typically only occur on one side of the body. Some of the potential causes of sciatica are nerve disorders, regularly sitting in an awkward position, obesity, poor posture, tumors, abscesses, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, and blood clots. Sometimes, sciatica can develop without an identifiable cause.
According to Penn Medicine, the pain experienced from sciatica can vary greatly from patient to patient. The spectrum of intensity may include a mile tingling, dull aching, or a burning sensation. The affected area may include any area from the back, down the leg, to the rear of the calf and sole of the foot.
The condition could cause your legs to go weak, and may worsen at certain times of day or night, directly after standing or sitting, when you sneeze, cough, or laugh, when you bend, and any time you strain to hold your breath.
How is Sciatica Treated?
Because the causes of sciatica have such a wide range, there is an array of different treatments for those suffering from sciatica. There are non-surgical options, such as physical therapy or seeing a chiropractor. Some patients opt for surgery in an attempt to fix this condition. Other treatments include massage therapy, lumbar injections, and some people even choose prescription painkillers as a way to deal with the pain.
How Can Medical Marijuana Help Missourians With Sciatica?
There is good news for those who are frustrated with the treatment options available. Many patients are choosing to use the pain healing power of medical marijuana to treat their sciatica. And, many who have found themselves hooked on opioids, such as oxycodone, to treat their condition are discovering that cannabis may be able to help them kick their opioid dependency.
One of the ways cannabis can help with nerve pain is by disrupting the connections between the brain’s sensory signals. In a recent interview with Neuroscience News, Dr. Haggai Sharon of the Sagol Brain Institute explained the results of a promising study conducted at the Tel Aviv Medical Center.
She stated, “Our study results link pain relief from THC with a reduction in the connections between areas of the brain otherwise heavily connected, suggesting that THC may alleviate pain by disrupting signals between these pain processing pathways.”
In the study Dr. Sharin referenced, researchers found evidence to suggest THC was effective in reducing pain. Before consuming THC, participants rated their pain level at an average of 53 on a scale of 100. After receiving THC treatments, the average pain level reduced to 35.
This Skeptic Said He’d Never Use Medical Marijuana - He Changed His Mind
Jeff Seidel recounts his experience with debilitating nerve pain in an account written for the Detroit Free Press. He had a weightlifting injury he originally thought was a pulled muscle.
Seven months later, when the injury was still bothering him, to the point that he had stopped lifting weights entirely, he got some advice from a trainer who suggested he might be dealing with a nerve issue. The trainer was right.
The pain had gotten so severe that Jeff had to sleep on the floor and was taking “all kinds of medications from painkillers to anti-inflammatories.” He admits he was “exceeding the recommended daily dosage on all of them.” But, the pain persisted.
Finally, his wife described Jeff’s pain to a friend who suggested he try medical marijuana. Jeff had never tried cannabis, and vowed he never would. But, the more he heard about people using marijuana edibles for pain management, the more he became open to the idea. Eventually, he gave marijuana a try.
It changed everything. In Jeff’s words, “it seems to deaden the pain. It helps me fall asleep, and the next day the pain doesn’t seem as severe.” He goes on to mention that cannabis has helped him cut down on the anti-inflammatory medications and that marijuana “helped me get through the worst summer of my life.”
You deserve relief from pain.
If you’re ready to experience the natural pain relief that cannabis provides, all you’ll need is a Missouri medical marijuana card. If you don’t have your card yet, we’re here to help. Our physicians are standing by to take you through a quick and easy evaluation to see if you qualify. Schedule an appointment with a marijuana doctor online by CLICKING HERE, or give us a call at (877) 303-3117 to talk to a patient support representative.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Missouri Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (877) 303-3117, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Missouri Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Missouri!
Comentarios