The treatment of spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients is a focus of medical marijuana therapy. Several pharmacological products containing cannabinoids D9-THC, CBD, or synthetic D9-THC are now available. Weakness, pain, and involuntary sudden movements are all symptoms that MS patients want to manage with marijuana. To date, several studies have investigated the efficacy of marijuana to treat these symptoms.
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Medical Marijuana to Help Treat Multiple Sclerosis
Southern CT Wellness & Healing encourages anyone seeking treatment for multiple sclerosis to make an appointment to speak with one of our pharmacists. Our pharmacists can discuss alternative treatments, including the latest medically approved applications of marijuana.
A patient with multiple sclerosis and their medical provider seek ways to address poorly controlled spasticity, which can have an impact on a person’s quality of life. Spasticity is the feelings of stiffness and involuntary muscle spasms (sustained muscle contractions or sudden movements). In a study published in Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders, Vol. 5 Issue 5 titled “Symptomatic therapy in multiple sclerosis: the role of cannabinoids in treating spasticity” researchers cite that ‘anecdotal evidence suggests a beneficial effect of cannabis on spasticity as well as pain.’
The conclusions of the study indicated that ‘the oromucosal administration of THC and CBD has proven to be a well tolerated therapeutic option for treating spasticity in patients with MS who respond poorly to conventional antispastic drugs.’ Also noted in the study is that researchers found it difficult to assess the efficacy of treatment since spasticity is difficult to measure.
Many studies of the effect of cannabis on multiple sclerosis will cite the difficulty to scientifically measure improvements with spasticity, since the scale used for measurement is based on perceived patient response. During the unbinding of clinical studies however, patients in the active treatment groups often noted an improvement in mobility and in their opinion an improvement in overall pain, which suggests that cannabinoids might be clinically useful.
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis That Medical Marijuana Can Help Reduce
In a study published in June 2004 in Neurology Journal from the American Academy of Neurology, 220 patients from Nova Scotia were surveyed about their use of medical marijuana. Seventy-two respondents (36%) reported using cannabis to help treat symptoms of multiple sclerosis, which included:
- Stress
- Sleep
- Mood
- Spasticity
- Neuropathic Pain
- Tremor
- Disturbed Bladder Function
Who Should Consider Medical Marijuana to Treat Multiple Sclerosis
Our dispensary sees a variety of patients for multiple sclerosis. Anyone with relapsing-remitting, primary-progressive, secondary-progressive, and progressive-relapsing MS can consider medical marijuana for alternative therapy. Numerous patients choose marijuana to help with localized pain and spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis.
First-time patients consult with a pharmacist. The pharmacist will review your medical history and discuss best options of medical marijuana for therapy. Dosage formulations are discussed so patients feel comfortable starting a care program that incorporates cannabis. Many patients choose marijuana to help with ease localized pain caused by multiple sclerosis. Studies have shown that palliation of MS extends to other symptoms, which we will help identify and assess for treatment.
Decisions Start with Reliable & Up to Date Information
The passage of legislation that permits medical marijuana to be administered to patients in Connecticut creates an opportunity for you to have a meaningful conversation with a knowledgeable medical provider. Using marijuana to treat a medical conditions should always be guided by a medical professional. Southern CT Wellness & Healing is always researching the latest medical studies on how medical marijuana can be used to treat multiple sclerosis. Please consider us as a resource to start exploring alternative options for multiple sclerosis treatment.