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Cannabis Prescription for Somatic Pain

Somatic pain, originating from the skin, muscles, or tissues, can be challenging to manage. A cannabis prescription for somatic pain may provide relief by targeting inflammation and soothing pain in affected areas, helping patients feel more comfortable without relying on opioids or other strong painkillers.

Pain comes in different types, each with its own cause and symptoms. Somatic pain is one type, which happens when pain sensors in your skin, muscles, bones, joints, or connective tissues get activated. This includes things like skin injuries and headaches.

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

Somatic pain is frequently restricted to the afflicted location. It is often persistent and might worsen as a result of movement. Somatic pain can be restricted to a certain place or extend across the body. This form of discomfort is frequently characterised as:

  • Cramping
  • Aching
  • Gnawing
  • Sharp

It is frequently classified into two types: surface pain and deep somatic pain. Superficial pain is caused by the activation of pain receptors in the mucous, mucus and skin membranes; traumas such as cuts and burns are commonly associated with superficial somatic pain.

Deep somatic pain comes from pain sensors in deeper parts of the body, like joints, tendons, muscles, and bones. This type of pain generally feels much more like a deep ache compared to surface pain.

Examples of Somatic Pain

Somatic pain originates from the skin, muscles, bones, or connective tissues. It is typically well-localised and can be sharp or throbbing. Here are some examples of somatic pain:

  • Fractures: Pain from broken bones is a common example of somatic pain, often felt as a sharp and intense sensation
  • Sprains and Strains: Injuries to ligaments (sprains) or muscles and tendons (strains) cause somatic pain, typically presenting as a throbbing or aching pain
  • Arthritis: Joint pain caused by inflammation of the joints is somatic pain, often described as a dull, aching sensation
  • Cuts and Bruises: Injuries to the skin and underlying tissues, such as cuts or bruises, result in localised somatic pain
  • Muscle Cramps: Sudden, involuntary muscle contractions cause sharp, localised pain, typical of somatic pain
  • Post-surgical Pain: Pain after surgical procedures, particularly in the area of the incision, is somatic pain
  • Burns: Pain from burns, whether minor or severe, is a form of somatic pain and is often sharp and localised
  • Tension Headaches: These headaches are caused by muscle tension in the neck and scalp, resulting in somatic pain
  • Tendonitis: Inflammation of a tendon, often due to overuse or injury, causes localised somatic pain
  • Fibromyalgia: This condition is characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, which is a type of somatic pain, along with fatigue and tenderness in localised areas

Treatment and Cause

As somatic pain may impact many distinct places of the body, it can have a wide range of causes, including:

  • Minor or significant joint and bone injuries
  • Skin trauma
  • Connective tissue damage
  • Muscle strain
  • Bone fracture
  • Connective tissue disease (for example; osteoporosis)
  • Bone or skin cancer
  • Arthritis

Treatment methods frequently target the underlying cause of somatic pain, such as osteoarthritis or osteoporosis, as well as symptom management. This can involve using over-the-counter pain relievers (such as ibuprofen and paracetamol) or stronger pain relievers, such as opioids.

Medical Cannabis and Somatic Pain

Medical cannabis has long been seen as a viable alternative to powerful opioids in the treatment of pain. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) appears to play a key role in pain signalling, according to emerging research. This might make cannabis a valuable pain management treatment.

Our expert physicians have extensive experience evaluating individual situations and determining if medicinal marijuana might be a viable treatment choice.

CBD for Somatic Pain: A Natural Alternative for Relief

Somatic pain, stemming from the body’s musculoskeletal system, can manifest as discomfort in muscles, bones, and joints. Conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and chronic pain syndromes often fall under this category. Traditional treatments may include pharmaceuticals, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications, but many individuals are exploring CBD (cannabidiol) as a natural alternative for managing somatic pain.

What is CBD?

CBD is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the hemp plant. Unlike its more famous cousin, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not produce a “high.” Instead, it has garnered attention for its potential therapeutic effects, including pain relief, anti-inflammatory properties, and the ability to promote relaxation and well-being.

How CBD May Help with Somatic Pain:

  1. Pain Relief: CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a key role in regulating pain and inflammation. Many users report significant reductions in pain intensity after using CBD products, making it an appealing option for those suffering from somatic pain.
  2. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Inflammation often contributes to somatic pain conditions, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects can help reduce swelling and discomfort, providing relief from chronic pain.
  3. Muscle Relaxation: CBD may help relax tense muscles, which can be beneficial for individuals dealing with muscle spasms or tension that often accompany somatic pain conditions.
  4. Improved Sleep: Chronic pain can disrupt sleep, leading to a vicious cycle of pain and fatigue. CBD has been shown to improve sleep quality, allowing individuals to rest and recover more effectively.
  5. Reduced Anxiety and Stress: Living with chronic somatic pain can lead to increased anxiety and stress. CBD is known for its anxiolytic properties, which can help calm the mind and improve overall emotional well-being.

Choosing the Right CBD Product:

When considering CBD for somatic pain relief, it’s important to choose the right product. Here are a few options:

  • CBD Oils and Tinctures: These provide a quick onset of effects and allow for precise dosing. Users can easily adjust their intake based on their individual needs.
  • CBD Topicals: Creams, balms, and salves can be applied directly to painful areas for targeted relief. This is especially beneficial for localized pain in joints or muscles.
  • CBD Edibles and Gummies: These offer a convenient and discreet way to consume CBD, though they may take longer to produce effects compared to oils or topicals.
  • CBD Capsules: These provide a consistent dosage and are easy to take but may have a delayed onset of effects.

Dosage Considerations

Finding the right dosage of CBD for somatic pain relief can vary widely among individuals. It is generally recommended to start with a low dose (5-10 mg) and gradually increase until the desired effects are achieved. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help determine the most effective dosage tailored to your needs.

Private Consultation for Cannabis Prescription in Four Steps

MARUCANNA’s private consultation for cannabis prescriptions is simple and fast. Begin with a free eligibility check, fill out a brief questionnaire, and get an instant decision. A virtual consultation with a doctor completes the process.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Somatic Pain

How does somatic pain feel?

Somatic pain can be localised, intermittent, or chronic and can be described as aching, gnawing, throbbing, or cramping. Such metastases are distinguished by bone breakdown and new bone growth.

How long may physical discomfort last?

In most situations, both visceral and somatic discomfort will subside and disappear inside a couple of days. If the pain is severe or does not go away after a week, we advise that you seek medical attention. Your ability to define the type of pain can assist your doctor in determining the appropriate treatment strategy for your pain.

What causes somatic pain?

Somatic pain arises when pain receptors in tissues (such as the skin, muscles, skeleton, joints, and connective tissues) are activated. Typically, stressors like force, warmth, vibration, or swelling trigger these receptors. This form of pain is sometimes referred to as cramping.

Is somatic pain acute or chronic?

Deep somatic pain is induced by unpleasant stimuli stimulating nociceptors in the internal organs, joints, and bones, and it can be transient or persistent.

Is cannabis or CBD better for somatic pain?

For somatic pain, which affects the body’s muscles, skin, or tissues, cannabis may offer stronger relief than CBD alone due to its combination of THC and CBD. The THC component in cannabis can provide more potent pain relief, especially for moderate to severe pain, while CBD helps with inflammation and discomfort. However, if you prefer not to experience psychoactive effects, CBD might still be effective for milder cases of somatic pain.

How much cannabis should I take for somatic pain?

The dosage you may need to take varies based on factors like your body weight, pain severity, and tolerance. It’s best to start with a low dose, such as 2.5–5 mg of THC, and gradually increase until you find the right level of relief. Always consult with a healthcare professional to ensure you’re using the proper dosage and form of cannabis for your needs.

Does cannabis relax muscles?

Yes, cannabis, especially strains high in THC, is known to have muscle relaxant properties. It can help reduce muscle spasms, tension, and stiffness. This effect is often used in treating conditions like multiple sclerosis and other muscular disorders.

Does cannabis help restless leg syndrome?

Some anecdotal evidence and limited studies suggest that cannabis, particularly strains rich in CBD or THC, may help relieve symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). The cannabinoids in cannabis can potentially ease the discomfort and improve sleep quality, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety for RLS treatment.

What Are the Best Cannabis Strains for Somatic Pain?

The best cannabis strains for somatic pain in the UK often include those with a balanced mix of THC and CBD, as this combination provides effective pain relief without excessive psychoactive effects. Strains like Blue Dream and OG Kush are popular for their ability to relax muscles and ease physical discomfort, while CBD-dominant strains such as Charlotte’s Web are favored for their non-intoxicating therapeutic benefits. It’s essential to choose strains with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and individuals should consult a licensed medical professional or access cannabis through approved medical cannabis schemes in the UK for safe and legal use.