Medical Marijuana for Spinal Cord Injury

Your ReThink-Rx™ Doctor Will Help

Medical marijuana has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its potential therapeutic effects. More and more research is being conducted on the use of medical marijuana for a variety of conditions, including spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can be devastating and cause long-term physical disability, making it difficult to function normally. As such, many people with spinal cord injuries are looking into medical marijuana as a potential treatment option that may help reduce pain and improve mobility.

In this article, we will discuss what is known about the potential benefits of using medical marijuana for spinal cord injury patients and provide an overview of current studies exploring these possibilities.

Keep reading to learn more.

How Common are Spinal Cord Injuries?

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are incredibly common and have been increasing in prevalence over recent years. According to the latest data from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), approximately 17,810 new SCI cases occurred in 2019 alone. That marks a 2.2% increase since 2018 and an overall 6.5% increase since 2010. Of that number, 12,323 were males and 5,487 were females. Furthermore, the age group most likely to suffer from SCI is between 16-30 years old.

Spinal Cord Injury Causes

The causes of spinal cord injury are numerous but they largely involve trauma such as motor vehicle accidents, acts of violence, and sports and recreational activities. Other causes include falls, medical complications, and even birth defects. Regardless of the cause, spinal cord injuries can have a profound effect on an individual’s life, often resulting in physical disability and difficulty with daily activities.

Traditional Spinal Cord Injury Treatments

Due to their complexity and wide-ranging effects, treatment for spinal cord injuries typically involves multiple medical specialists and a comprehensive approach. Treatments can vary greatly from patient to patient depending on the severity of their injury, age, overall health and other factors. However, some common treatments include physical therapy, occupational therapy, medications such as analgesics (pain-relieving drugs), epidural stimulation, and surgery.

Can Medical Marijuana Help Treat Spinal Cord Injuries?

Medical marijuana is a popular and increasingly accepted form of treatment for various medical conditions, including chronic pain, mental health issues, and even cancer. However, its effectiveness as a treatment for spinal cord injuries is still in dispute.

Proponents of medical marijuana argue that it can help reduce the intensity of some of the most common symptoms associated with spinal cord injuries, such as chronic pain, spasticity and muscle weakness. It is thought to provide relief by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration in injured areas of the spinal cord.

Evidence supporting medical marijuana use for treating spinal cord injuries is largely anecdotal at this point. Studies conducted so far have been small-scale or limited in scope; more research is needed before it can be definitively said that medical marijuana is an effective treatment for spinal cord injuries.

To learn more about medical marijuana and how you can obtain it, contact ReThink-Rx today.