Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) can have a devastating effect on a person's ability to live a normal daily life and can take a large toll on quality of life - especially if these injuries or diseases result in paralysis. In the United States, it is estimated that 450,000 individuals are living with some type of spinal cord injury, and it is believed that roughly 16,000 of these people are residents of Ohio.
Although spinal cord injuries and diseases were once considered fatal, new and promising treatment have been developed over the years to help people live with their condition. The good news is that patients in Ohio are more empowered than ever in their own treatment. They can now explore medical marijuana treatment as an alternative regimen to address the relentless and unpleasant symptoms associated with spinal cord injury and disease.
Medical Marijuana and Spinal Cord Injuries
Cannabis and its cannabinoids have been shown to help limit neurological damage in the spine if administered soon after the spinal cord injury occurs. This is because it can reduce proinflammatory cytokines and hinder neuronal atrophy and degeneration - thereby protecting the myelin sheath. This can help to reduce symptoms down the road. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Pain showed that medical marijuana was effective for treating neuropathic pain in participants with spinal cord injuries. Medical marijuana can help to relieve the following symptoms associated with spinal cord injuries and diseases:
-
Pain
-
Spasticity
-
Inflammation
-
Muscle weakness
-
Depression associated with the limitations in function
-
Does not suppress breathing, which can occur when opioids are taken for pain
3 Easy Steps
Step 1
Schedule an appointment with one of our friendly marijuana doctors at any location throughout the State!
Step 2
Visit our office for your
in-person evaluation with a state-certified medical marijuana doctor.
Step 3
With the doctor's approval, you'll receive your card via email from the Ohio Board of Pharmacy.
What Constitutes a Spinal Cord Injury?
Spinal cord injuries generally occur as the result of a sudden traumatic impact. It involves a bruise or a tear into the spinal cord that either fractures or dislocates the vertebrae. The majority of spinal cord injuries involve a fracture or compression of the vertebrae in the spine - which ultimately causes the cord axons to be crushed or destroyed. Damaged axons cause permanent changes in strength, sensations and other functions that occur below the site of the injury.
Meanwhile, spinal cord diseases may have similar symptoms but are not the result of trauma. They include:
-
Tumors
-
Infections like polio or meningitis
-
Inflammatory diseases
-
Autoimmune diseases
-
Degenerative diseases like spinal muscular atrophy or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
We currently do not have a way to reverse the damage that causes spinal cord injury, so treatment modalities focus on preventing further injury, symptom management and empowering people to have as active of a life as possible with rehabilitation and technology devices.
Certain medications, such as intravenous methylprednisolone, have been used to acute spinal cord injury. While it may provide relief for some patients, the general consensus is that the potential side effects outweigh the potential benefits. Surgery can be used to treat herniated discs and remove bone fragments or any other foreign object that could be exacerbating the injury.
Medical Marijuana Doctors Can Help
While marijuana is not a cure for Spinal Cord Injury, it can help make people with the condition much more comfortable. As with any medication, you should always discuss cannabis with a physician before initial use. If you are interested in using cannabis to help manage your symptoms, schedule an evaluation with an Ohio Marijuana Card doctor today!