Anyone who has had low back pain or knows someone understands how debilitating they can be. Back pain is one of the most prevalent reasons for individuals missing work or going to the doctor. Below is information about MMJ for chronic low back pain: what you should know such as many turn to medical marijuana when seeking alternative treatment. If you are from Baton Rouge, you can get started and apply for a medical cannabis card at TeleLeaf.com.
Medical Marijuana Benefits for Low Back Pain
Medical marijuana contains numerous therapeutic qualities that can help with back pain, tightness, inflammation, nausea (induced by other medications), and mental side effects like depression, anxiety, and sleeplessness that occur with chronic pain.
Medical Marijuana has anti-inflammatory effects. It’s a natural treatment for arthritic inflammation and degenerative changes in the lumbar, cervical, or thoracic spine. The majority of back and neck discomfort is caused by degenerative changes in the spine. Because of the inflammation, many people use marijuana to relieve their pain.
Overview
Lower back discomfort is a typical reason for medical appointments. Low back pain is the most prevalent cause of job-related impairment, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). At least 80% of Americans will suffer from low back pain at some point in their lives.
The majority of low back discomfort is caused by an injury, such as muscle sprains or strains caused by abrupt movements or poor lifting mechanics.
Low back discomfort can also be caused by a variety of illnesses, including:
- Cancer of the spinal cord
- A ruptured or herniated disc
- Sciatica
- Arthritis
- Kidney infections
- Infections of the spine
Acute back pain can persist from a few days to a few weeks, whereas chronic back pain lasts for more than three months.
Individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 are more prone to experience low back discomfort. This is due in part to the changes that occur in the body as people age. The fluid content between the vertebrae in your spine decreases as you become older.
Prevention
Low back pain may be avoided in a variety of ways. If you have a lower back injury, using preventive strategies may assist to decrease the intensity of your symptoms.
Preventative measures include:
- Lifting objects properly by bending at the knees and lifting with the legs
- Keeping appropriate posture exercising the muscles in your belly and back
- Reducing weight if you’re overweight
Causes of Low Back Pain
Strains
Excessive exercise can strain or tear the muscles and ligaments of the back. Lower back discomfort and stiffness, as well as muscular spasms, are common symptoms. These symptoms can be treated with rest and physical treatment.
Disc injury
Back discs are vulnerable to injury. With age, this danger rises. The disc’s outer layer might rupture or herniate.
When the cartilage surrounding the disc presses on the spinal cord or nerve roots, it causes a herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc.
Sciatica
If a herniated disc pushes on the sciatic nerve, it can cause sciatica. The sciatic nerve runs from the spine to the lower extremities. As a result, sciatica can cause leg and foot discomfort. Burning or pins and needles are common sensations associated with this discomfort.
Abnormal spine curvatures
Scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis are all conditions in which the spine curves abnormally.
Spinal stenosis
When the spinal column narrows, it puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing spinal stenosis. Degeneration of the discs between the vertebrae is the most prevalent cause of spinal stenosis.
Treatment
Home treatment
For the first 72 hours after the discomfort begins, self-care techniques are beneficial. You should see your doctor if the pain does not get better after 72 hours of home therapy. To alleviate discomfort, take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Medical treatment
There are a variety of medical options available, including:
- Medicines
- Medical equipment
- Treatment for the body
The following are some of the medicines that your doctor may prescribe:
- Muscle relaxants
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Narcotic drugs such as codeine for pain relief
- Steroids to reduce inflammation
- Corticosteroid injections
Medical Marijuana as An Alternative Treatment
Medical marijuana is becoming increasingly popular. Marijuana is being utilized as an alternative treatment for a wide range of medical ailments, both physical and emotional, more than ever before. Medical marijuana is now being suggested by certain physicians and healthcare professionals for chronic pain, osteoarthritis, and back pain, as well as independently sought out by people suffering from chronic back pain.
Natural in every way. MMJ is from a natural, raw plant. Prescription opioid pain medicine is synthetic, and it can have a variety of unpleasant side effects that can be detrimental to your health over time.
If you’re suffering from terrible low back pain and want to learn more about medical marijuana and how to get access to a MMJ card, speak with a registered medical marijuana doctor at Teleleaf.com.