Medical Cannabis for Cancer Pain
Cancer poses many challenges – physical, emotional, and psychological – that can be debilitating and hard to manage. As part of the treatment process, your doctor may recommend medical marijuana to relieve some of the pain caused by cancer and its treatments.
Medical cannabis has long been used as an effective analgesic or pain reliever. Studies have suggested that certain compounds in marijuana, such as the active ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), interact with receptors in the body that control pain perception. This may allow marijuana to reduce inflammation, increase sleep quality, and decrease pain.
Cannabis may offer significant benefits for people with cancer-related pain. When used in combination with other pain management treatments, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physical therapy, it can be an effective tool for managing this type of pain. Of course, as with any medical treatment, it’s important to discuss using marijuana with your doctor first.
For those with cancer, medical marijuana can be particularly useful in controlling painful side effects such as nausea and vomiting, both of which are common occurrences with cancer treatments such as chemotherapy. Furthermore, marijuana can be a helpful anxiety and depression treatment, as well as helping to reduce muscle spasms.
At Elios Clinics, our team of medical professionals understand the importance of treating cancer-related pain with the utmost care and respect. We offer a safe, professional environment to consult with certified physicians who can help you explore the many benefits of medical cannabis in managing your cancer pain.
Ultimately, it’s up to each patient to decide if medical marijuana is the right treatment for them. Whether you are hoping for relief from cancer pain or using medical marijuana to reduce side effects from chemotherapy, our team at Elios Clinics can provide the guidance, education and support that you need to make an informed decision.
What Causes Cancer-Related Pain?
Cancer-related pain can be the result of the disease itself or its associated treatments. The pain can range from mild to severe and can vary in intensity or come and go. Cancer-related pain is often experienced in the areas where the cancer is located, but it can also spread to other areas of the body due to nerve damage or inflammation.
Common causes of cancer pain include:
- Tumor growth or malfunctioning nerve cells that sense pain
- Surgery or radiation treatments
- Chemotherapy
- Medications to treat cancer
- Side effects of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Tumor-caused inflammation or pressure on nerves or organs
If you are experiencing cancer-related pain, talk to your doctor and ask them about the benefits of medical marijuana.