The potential benefits of medical cannabis for fibromyalgia and migraines: A Newcastle perspective
Medical cannabis has been getting traction has an alternative therapy for various health conditions by providing relief in ways which traditional treatments might not be able to. Such health conditions influence chronic pain, mental health issues, and neurological disorders. As the body of evidence for the effects of medical cannabis is growing, some conditions which has shown potential benefits from medical cannabis are fibromyalgia and migraines.
Millions of people worldwide are affected by these conditions, with a significant number of sufferers in the UK, also including Newcastle Upon Tyne. However, as awareness and acceptance of medical cannabis in the UK is growing, various people are starting to explore how cannabis for fibromyalgiacan offer relief to patients suffering from symptoms related to fibromyalgia and migraines.
Fibromyalgia: A challenging condition
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas. In addition, this condition can have various other symptoms, including cognitive difficulties, sleep disturbances, and emotional distress. It is estimated that between 1.8 million and 2.9 millionpeople has fibromyalgia, with a higher prevalence among women.
Traditional treatment for fibromyalgia includes various medications, including pain relievers, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs, often combined with lifestyle modifications, including exercise and stress management. However, for some people these treatments can only provide limited relief, which has resulted in many patients seeking out alternative treatments.
Medical cannabis and fibromyalgia: Exploring the potential
One alternative treatment that has been identified as a potential treatment for fibromyalgia is medical cannabis. This is especially related to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Both of the primary cannabinoids in cannabis, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which can regulate pain, good, and other physiological processes. Various studies have found that medical cannabis can provide symptomatic relief for fibromyalgia patients. A study from 2018 highlighted that fibromyalgia patients using cannabis experienced significant reduction in pain intensity, while also experiencing improved sleep quality.
Another study from 2019 found that using medical cannabis by fibromyalgia patients can improve the pain levels and hence, the overall quality of life. In Newcastle Upon Tyne, where the limited efficacy of conventional therapies might lead fibromyalgia patients to seek alternative treatments, medical cannabis provides an option worth considering. Across UK, more and more clinics and services if offering access to medical cannabis, which also includes Newcastle Upon Tyne. This makes it possible for patients to explore this treatment with guidance from healthcare professionals.
Migraines: More than just a headache
Another condition for which medical cannabis has shown promise is migraines. This condition is characterized by severe headaches, which is often accompanied by other symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells. Migraines can be debilitating, and it can affect daily activities and impact the quality of life. Approximately 10 million people in the UK suffer from migraines, which makes it one of the most common neurological disorders in the country.
There is no one-off treatment for migraines. For some people, over-the-counter pain relievers is enough, while other patients might use prescription medications and preventive therapies. For others, these treatments are not effective in providing pain relief, and these traditional treatments can have side effects. This has caused the increasing interest in using medical cannabis to manage migraines.
Medical cannabis and migraines: Investigating the evidence
Research has indicated that cannabis based migraine treatments has the potential to modulate pain and inflammation, which are both key factors in migraine pathophysiology. A study from 2016 found that migraine patients using medical cannabis experienced reduced migraine frequency on a monthly basis. Another research from 2017 came up with the suggestion that cannabinoids could serve as a viable option to reduce severity and frequency of migraine attacks.
In Newcastle Upon Tyne, where the prevalence of migraines is consistent with national figures, there are many reasons for migraine patients to explore medical cannabis as part of their treatment plan. As it is legal and safe to access medical cannabis, patients can receive professional support in designing a treatment plan covering individual need.
Accessing medical cannabis in Newcastle Upon Tyne
For residents of Newcastle Upon Tyne who wants to explore medical cannabis as a treatment for a condition, including fibromyalgia and migraines, the process is straightforward. Since the UK government legalized medical cannabis in 2018, several clinics has established consultations and prescriptions for eligible patients.
Anyone interested in medical cannabis can find comprehensive support, services, and information on Releaf.co.uk. This includes help regarding clinics, how to know if one is eligible, receiving a medical cannabis personal card, and much more.
Concluding remarks
As the body of evidence for medical cannabis’ potential benefits in treating various conditions, the perception in the UK about this alternative treatment is changing: There is a clear shift from perceiving cannabis as solely an addictive drug, to removing the stigma and perceiving the potential health benefits of this product.
As a resident of Newcastle Upon Tyne, accessing medical cannabis is becoming increasingly feasible, and there is a growing number of clinics which offers specialized services focusing on cannabis-based treatments.