Cannabis Prescription for Nerve Pains

Compressed or pinched nerves can cause persistent pain and numbness, often impacting movement and daily function. A cannabis prescription for compressed or pinched nerves may help reduce pain by targeting inflammation and relaxing muscle spasms. This natural approach could improve nerve health and ease discomfort for patients, allowing them to regain better function and quality of life.

Nerves branch out from your brain and spinal cord, sending and receiving vital messages to and from the rest of your body. They play a critical role in pain signalling. If you have a pinched or compressed nerve, it can convey pain signals and, in more severe situations, create long-term nervous system difficulties. The word “pinched nerve” can apply to any sort of nerve or nerve group injury.

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

Unexplained pain is the most common indication of compressed or trapped nerves. These cautions must not be ignored in order to prevent more catastrophic repercussions. If left untreated, compressed nerves can cause both acute and permanent harm, such as swelling and scarring. It can also cause symptoms such as peripheral neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome.

These are some of the more common symptoms of compressed nerves:

  • Compression discomfort, such as pain in the neck or low back
  • Radiating pain, such as sciatica or radicular pain
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Pins and needles or a burning feeling
  • Weakness, particularly with specific activities.
  • The sensation of a foot or hand becoming asleep

Treatment and Cause

A pinched or squeezed nerve occurs when a nerve is compressed; this can be caused by repeated actions or by maintaining the body in one posture for lengthy periods of time, such as sleeping with elbows bent. When nerves are pushed between narrow tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, or bones, this is known as nerve compression.

The pain caused by a compressed or trapped nerve can impact several sections of the body. Inflammation or pressure on a nerve root exiting the spine, for example, can produce neck or low back pain, as well as discomfort that spreads from the neck to the shoulder and arms and even to the legs and feet.

There are several therapy options for compressed nerves; such as medical marijuana prescriptions from a certified clinic-  which one is used will be determined by the degree and origin of the nerve compression. Resting the afflicted area and avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms may be sufficient in some circumstances to assist healing.

However, in more severe situations, measures such as physical therapy and a procedure or surgery to remove the debris pushing on the nerve may be required. This might be scar tissue, disc material, or bone fragments.

Medications can also be used to alleviate the symptoms of compressed or trapped nerves. Including:

  • Oral corticosteroids: to lessen pain and swelling
  • Prescription medicines (including opioids) are used for brief periods of time to relieve severe pain.
  • Steroids are used to decrease swelling and allow irritated nerves to heal.

Medical Cannabis and Compressed or Pinched Nerves

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 into the suitability of marijuana for pain relief. This might make cannabis a valuable pain management treatment.

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

Easy and Fast Private Cannabis Prescription Assessment

Looking for a private assessment for cannabis? MARUCANNA offers a quick 4-step process starting with a free eligibility check. Complete a simple questionnaire, get an instant decision, and if eligible, you’ll have a virtual consultation with a doctor.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Compressed or Pinched Nerves

Can a pinched nerve cause other problems?

A pinched nerve can be severe, producing chronic discomfort and possibly irreversible nerve damage. Fluid and oedema can cause irreparable nerve damage.

How can I avoid a pinched nerve?

Although not all pinched nerves can be avoided, you can reduce your chances by doing the following:

  • Keep a healthy weight and a decent posture.
  • Stretch your muscles to keep them strong and flexible.
  • Don’t sit or lie in one position for too long, and don’t cross your legs for too long. This might result in nerve compression in your leg.
  • Try to reduce and break up repeated actions (like typing). When working with a keyboard, use wrist rests.

Does cannabis help with nerve pain?

Yes, cannabis may help with nerve pain (neuropathic pain) by reducing pain signals and inflammation. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD can interact with the nervous system to modulate pain responses. Many patients with conditions like sciatica, multiple sclerosis, or diabetic neuropathy report relief from nerve pain when using cannabis. However, the degree of relief varies, and more research is needed to confirm its long-term effectiveness. Consulting a healthcare provider is important for proper use.

What are three signs when nerve compression occurs?

Three common signs of nerve compression include:

  • Numbness or Tingling: Individuals often experience a sensation of numbness or tingling in the area supplied by the affected nerve. This can feel like pins and needles and may occur in the fingers, hands, or feet, depending on which nerve is compressed.
  • Weakness: Nerve compression can lead to muscle weakness in the affected area. For example, a person might struggle to grip objects, lift their arm, or move their fingers effectively, which can interfere with daily activities.
  • Pain: Sharp, shooting, or burning pain often accompanies nerve compression. This pain may radiate from the site of compression along the path of the nerve, making it difficult to find relief and impacting overall mobility and comfort.

What effect does THC have on nerves?

THC positively influences the nervous system by binding to CB1 receptors, which can help modulate pain signals and reduce discomfort from nerve-related conditions, such as pinched nerves. It may also promote relaxation and reduce inflammation, potentially easing nerve irritation. However, effects vary, and a healthcare provider should guide usage to avoid side effects like dizziness or anxiety.

Is THC good for pinched nerves?

Yes, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) can be beneficial for managing pain from pinched nerves. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, THC helps reduce acute pain and inflammation associated with nerve compression, offering relief for some individuals. Its muscle-relaxant properties may also ease tension around the affected area. Consult a healthcare provider to ensure safe and appropriate use.

What does a trapped nerve feel like?

A trapped nerve can cause a variety of uncomfortable sensations, often depending on its location. Commonly, it may feel like:

  • Sharp or burning pain: This pain may radiate outward from the nerve’s location.
  • Tingling or ‘pins and needles’ sensation: You may feel a prickling or ‘electrical’ feeling along the path of the affected nerve.
  • Numbness: Loss of sensation can occur in the area served by the compressed nerve.
  • Muscle weakness: The affected area may feel weaker or harder to move.
  • Worsening pain with certain movements: Activities that stretch, compress, or put pressure on the nerve may intensify symptoms.

Overall, a trapped nerve can cause persistent discomfort that affects daily activities and may require rest, physical therapy, or medical treatment to relieve pressure and inflammation.

What strain of cannabis is best for nerve pain?

In the UK, doctors may prescribe medical cannabis to patients seeking relief from nerve pain, including neuropathy, fibromyalgia, or chronic conditions. When looking for the best cannabis strains for nerve pain, the focus is on reducing pain, inflammation, and associated symptoms like anxiety while minimising psychoactive side effects that could interfere with daily life. Here are some strains commonly recommended for managing nerve pain:

High-CBD strains for pain and inflammation

  • Benefits: Cannabidiol (CBD) has powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it effective for nerve pain relief without strong psychoactive effects. High-CBD strains can help reduce pain and improve the overall quality of life for patients suffering from nerve-related conditions.
  • Example: Charlotte’s Web is a well-known CBD-dominant strain that provides relief from inflammation and nerve pain, making it an excellent option for daytime use due to its minimal psychoactive impact.

Indica-Dominant Strains for Pain Relief and Relaxation

  • Benefits: Indica strains are often associated with calming, sedative effects that can help relieve severe nerve pain and promote muscle relaxation. This is particularly beneficial for patients with nerve pain that disrupts sleep or causes intense muscle tension.
  • An example of an indica strain known for its potent pain-relieving and relaxing effects is Northern Lights. Patients with chronic nerve pain often recommend it for its deep relaxation and improved sleep.

Balanced Hybrid Strains for Comprehensive Relief

  • Benefits: Hybrid strains offer a balance of indica and sativa properties, providing pain relief and reducing inflammation while maintaining mental clarity. For those with nerve pain, hybrids can be useful for addressing multiple symptoms without causing excessive sedation.
  • Example: Cannatonic is a hybrid strain high in CBD that helps manage nerve pain and inflammation. It provides effective pain relief with only mild psychoactive effects, making it suitable for daytime use.

Sativa-Dominant Strains for Daytime Pain Relief

  • Benefits: While sativa strains are generally known for their uplifting effects, some can also help relieve nerve pain and improve mood and energy levels. However, one should use sativa strains with caution due to their potential to increase anxiety in some people.
  • Example: Sour Diesel is a sativa strain that offers energising effects and may help reduce pain, making it useful for daytime symptom management.
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