{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-question-tags-template-js","path":"/question-tag/pain/51","result":{"data":{"allQuestion":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Question_10760-markdown","title":"Can CBD drops help my migraines and chronic pain?","slug":"can-cbd-drops-help-my-migraines-and-chronic-pain","content":"\n_____________________\nThe short answer is yes, and this is one of the most commonly recommended purposes for CBD tinctures! CBD acts on the same endocannabinoid receptors, found throughout the body, as THC; but it seems particularly effective in treating pain and does not have the psychoactive effects of THC. It does have sedative properties but typically patients find that they are highly functional with high CBD / low THC formulations. \n\nMany patients carry an oral tincture and apply the drops or spray under their tongue for approximately ten seconds when symptoms indicating onset of migraine occur; this may blunt the severity of migraine and in the best cases reverse them. The tincture may also be added to food or beverages and ingested for longer acting treatment of pain.\n\ndredmunds\n_____________________\nYes, CBD drops can help you with migraine problem and you can also get relief from chronic pain. CBD is the major non-psychoactive component of Cannabis sativa which has antipsychotic effects and also reduces anxiety. \n\nadmin4356","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10746-markdown","title":"Hello, I am a CDL license over-the-road truck driver. If I used the CBD patch on my back for pain relief, would I fail a drug screen test","slug":"hello-i-am-a-cdl-license-over-the-road-truck-driver-if-i-used-the-cbd-patch-on-my-back-for-pain-relief-would-i-fail-a-drug-screen-test","content":"\n_____________________\nUnfortunately, the cannabinoids CBD and THC present in the most popular transdermal patch do enter the blood stream and are associated with psychoactive effects. I recently researched the literature to find out if positive blood tests for cannabinoids have been documented in patients using transdermal body balms in the concentrations available in standard dispensary preparations. To date, there have been no reports of positive blood tests using transdermal body balms, lotions and massage oils. This may be a safer option for you. \n     If you hold a Class A license I caution you to be cautious with your use of medical cannabis. If you are in an accident in which injury, property damage, civil litigation or criminal action occurs you will be drug tested using industrial testing methods that are highly sensitive and specific. Additionally, you will place the physician who authorized you at professional risk.\n\ndrsumchai\n_____________________\nI agree with Dr. Sumchai, that topicals like salves and balms are not likely to cause a positive drug test.  While CBD is not psychoactive, most transdermal CBD patches will have tiny amounts of THC that are not enough to cause mental impairment (particularly in the company of CBD which mitigates the psychoactivity of THC), but are enough that you could test positive for THC.  Cannabis salves and creams generally have THC which does not pass through moist, intact, healthy skin, but might if the skin is very dry with micro-abrasions. If the latter occurs, then theoretically, it might be possible to test positive. Using a topical on healthy skin would be the safer route. \n\ndrfrye","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10743-markdown","title":"What kind of topical or product should I use for my condition?","slug":"what-kind-of-topical-or-product-should-i-use-for-my-condition","content":"\"I have an autoimmune disease called eosinophillic fasciitis. It is a tightening of the fascia in my hands and lower legs with joint and bone pain. What type of topical or other product would be best to use?\"\n_____________________\nI'm not a doctor but I do use topicals regularly for sore muscles and nerve pain. I talk to many people in the industry and their is plenty of anecdotal evidence that topicals help for different kinds of localized pain. I am going to point you to a couple of recent articles on our site that talk about topicals at the end.\n\nIf you live in CA. two topicals I would recommend would be Sweet ReLeaf and Xternal.\nXternal is widely available in dispensaries across CA as well as other legal states and within CA you can purchase on SweetReLeaf's site. I also like high CBD, low THC bath soaks, which for me are highly effective.\nTheir are a number of bath soak brands out there and I purchase mine on GetSava.com.\n\n As with all cannabis products, the response is individual and what might work for one person may not work for another. The great thing about topical a is that they are not psychoactive after application.\n\nHere are two topical article links I hope you find helpful:\n\nhttps://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/topicals-a-revelation-in-treating-pain-with-cannabis\nhttps://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/57056541347686000800015a/cannabis-topicals-provide-relief-for-sore-muscles-and-pain\n\nHope this helps!\n\n\npamelahadfield","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10738-markdown","title":"Is marijuana safe for A-Fib?","slug":"is-marijuana-safe-for-a-fib","content":"\"I am 68 years old and have a pace maker. I suffer with infrequent bouts of Atrial Fibrillation. It's managed with medications. I want to try cannabis for chronic pain. Should I be worried about my heart?\"\n_____________________\nShort Answer:\n\nCannabis consumption in a systemic form such as smoking has been associated with heart palpitations and fast heart rhythms. Smoked cannabis should likely be avoided in your case for this reason. Some studies suggest the negative cardiovascular effects of smoked cannabis are related to THC. There has not been enough research on CBD extract products to determine if they are safe for those with atrial fibrillation. There have not been any studies associating localized forms of cannabis with harmful heart rhythms. It is likely safe, from a cardiovascular standpoint, to use topical cannabis infused patches, balms, salves, massage oils, etc. in limited quantities for localized pain control.\n\nYou should discuss your particular case closely with your cardiologist and cannabis-recommending physician before use.\n\nLong Answer:\n\nA growing number of case reports have demonstrated an association between smoked cannabis consumption and adverse cardiacvascular effects. This includes cardiac dysrythmia including atrial fibrillation and increased cardiac work, which can precipitate cardiac chest pain and even heart attacks. Smoked cannabis has also been associated with low blood pressure upon standing which can increase the risk of fainting. These effects are likely mediated by an effect in which THC triggers the sympathetic nervous system in intermittent users. Chronic users appear to develop tolerance to triggering of the sympathetic nervous system; however, they may suffer from microscopic damage to the arteries that supply the heart.\n\nInterestingly, a recent large case-control study from Denmark demonstrated that NSAID type medications (Ibuprofen/Advil and Naproxen/Aleve etc) are also associated with increased incidence of atrial fibrillation. This is in addition to prior literature that shows NSAIDs can aggravate hypertension. A series of two studies published in 2015 additionally show that opiates are likely associated with a higher risk of heart attack and atrial fibrillation. Unfortunately, there is no ideal option for chronic pain control in the setting of atrial fibrillation. \n\nReferences:\nKorantzopoulos P. Atrial fibrillation and Marijuana Smoking. Int J Clin Pract. 2008;62(2):308-313\nJones RT. Cardiovascular system effects of marijuana. J Clin Pharmacol 2002; 42 (11 Suppl.): 58S-63.\nSidney S. Cardiovascular consequences of marijuana use. J Clin Pharmacol 2002; 42 (11 Suppl.): 64S-70.\nRezkalla SH, Sharma P, Kloner RA. Coronary no-flow and ventricular tachycardia associated with habitual marijuana use. Ann Emerg Med 2003; 42: 365-9\n\n\nsankmd\n_____________________\nI like Dr. Sank's response and agree but I wanted to add some information that may be of benefit to you.\nDo you know your blood level of vitamin D? Optimizing your vitamin D level reduces the risk of heart disease as well as many other devastating diseases in the body. You must maintain your 25-OH D, blood level above 50 ng/ML for optimum health benefits including reducing your risk of heart disease, hypertension, auto immune disease, infections, mental health conditions and even cancer. Vitamin D deficiency is rampant in our culture because everyone is working inside, we wear clothes, sunscreen and we shower frequently washing the vitamin D off our skin before we have a chance to absorb it. \nI tested my patients in Hawaii for 10 years and found one patient with a normal vitamin D3 level! \nWhy would Hawaii be so low in vitamin D? Because everyone showers before they leave the beach and most are very brown skin so they block the production of vitamin D.\nAnother substance that has a lot to do with your heart function is your own human growth hormone. I'm not advocating you inject yourself with human growth hormone since it costs about $1000 a month and it takes over control of your ability to make your own human growth hormone but when your level is too low you will experience all the diseases of an aged person including heart disease which you already have.\nNow add to the vitamin D and human growth hormone problems the fact that you are probably hormone deficient at 68 years old. My hormones took a precipitous decline after the age of 60 and I felt like I was dying by the time I was 63 years old but I have fully restored my health by addressing all these issues. I don't know if you are male or female so I can't go into detail about what hormones you should take but when we lose our sex hormones the universe is ready to recycle us. If you're not ready for the recycle bin you may want help with natural hormones and I might be the person to see.\nI came back from the brink of death because I wasn't ready to be recycled and I want you to know that if you are alive, you can likely improve your health tremendously.\nDo not accept the negativity of most Western physicians. Good luck in your journey.\n\n\ndrolson\n_____________________\nYes that is my user name.\n\njamesady","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10728-markdown","title":"I'm a medical patient that dabs with wax. It controls my chronic pain, is it bad for me?","slug":"im-a-medical-patient-that-dabs-with-wax-it-controls-my-chronic-pain-is-it-bad-for-me","content":"\"I read a recent article in the NYT that claimed dabbing is horrible for people. I have used marijuana for years to control my pain and dabbing is by far the most effective. Is there a reason I should be concerned about my health? I do not hallucinate or have psychosis but find it takes away pain immediately.\"\n_____________________\nIt should not be bad for you. It is the extract of the plant, you are basically only consuming thc with no other chemicals. It also depends on the source of the extract. Most of the extracts go through extensive testing to provide patients with the most healthy and effective medicines \n\n506thc\n_____________________\nThe article you read, did it mention that 'smoking' dabs using a combustion method were more harmful than 'smoking' flower/dry herbs using a combustion method. This has some studies that back it up, but it also depends on how much you are consuming. Dabs are much higher in THC levels so you do not need to have as many hits. If you are not already you should be using a vaporizer for dabs instead of a lighter/flame. Here is a portable dabbing vaporizer that many people enjoy using that can be used as an oven packing vaporizer and as a tip heating dab pen - http://vaporsmooth.com/dipper-vape-pen-dip-stick-best-dab-pen/\n\ncanada","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10706-markdown","title":"Is there any truth to marijuana negatively affecting sexual function in men?","slug":"is-there-any-truth-to-marijuana-negatively-affecting-sexual-function-in-men","content":"\"My husband recently started using marijuana to help with the pain from an old football injury. He's 32 years old and I'm concerned that this will affect his sex drive/function because we are trying to get pregnant.\"\n_____________________\nSeveral studies have demonstrated that marijuana use decreases testosterone in men, which may lead to decreased sex drive, impotence, and gynecomastia.  Cannabis also decreases sperm count and sperm motility. Interestingly, there is an association between premature ejaculation and cannabis use. \n\nHaving said that, some men find that marijuana actually increases arousal and sex drive. These effects most likely occur with sativa dominant strains and THC. \n\ndredmunds\n_____________________\nI've heard that it's possible, but from my experience my libido skyrocketed. I'm 29 and my sex life has been better than it's ever been with my girlfriend, my workouts have been better, and I'm on the way to being in the best shape I've ever been. Some men experience the negative side effects but in my case, it's been enhancing in many ways.\n\ncannabear","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10703-markdown","title":"My mother just had a hip replacement and is in pain still.","slug":"my-mother-just-had-a-hip-replacement-and-is-in-pain-still","content":"\"Can she use cannabis to help? She is 70 years old and is a breast cancer survivor. She had a mastectomy 10 years ago with a course of chemo and has been cancer-free since.\"\n_____________________\n     A medical cannabis infused suppository for rectal use or as a vaginal capsule has been developed containing 50mg CBD in organic raw cannabis sativa extract and coconut oil. There are many advantages to the rectal administration of cannabis including avoiding the degradation of cannabis in the GI tract and bypassing metabolism by the liver. With rectal administration a greater proportion of CBD enters the blood stream. The regional delivery of the cannabinoids offers targeted relief to the hip and pelvic region. Search CBD Hemp Oil Workshop or contact info@endoca.com for further information. The FDA has not evaluated the role of cannabis infused suppositories in large population research studies.\n     The postoperative recovery and rehabilitation of patients undergoing total hip and knee replacement is known to be complicated by the adverse effects of opiates prescribed for pain. Safe, reliable and alternative methods of pain control are key to successful postoperative recovery. Your mother may also benefit from the safe topical administration of a CBD and or THC infused transdermal body balm. Even in people who are overweight or obese, the greater trochanter of the hip can be palpated directly under the skin.\n\ndrsumchai","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10701-markdown","title":"Does cannabis interfere with anesthesia?","slug":"does-cannabis-interfere-with-anesthesia","content":"\"The surgery is not scheduled till next week. Can I used cannabis for pain before my surgery? Will it interact with the anesthetic at all? Is there a period of time that I should not use cannabis before the op, or does it not matter?\"\n_____________________\nI would suggest you follow the guidance of your orthopedic surgeon before and after surgery. Physical therapy post-op is especially important in having the best possible functional outcome. \n\nI am guessing you are seeking pain control in the interim and would go with what your surgeon suggests; however, NSAIDS taken appropriately can help reduce inflammation and control pain. Cannabis supplementation can also improve comfort while decreasing pain and inflammation. You might also consider topical cannabis applied to the shoulder area for local pain relief without experiencing the intoxicating effects of marijuana.  \n\ndredmunds\n_____________________\nI see a lot of rotator cuff tendinopathy's in my sports medicine practice and personally experience episodic symptoms of a calcific tendinitis of my right rotator cuff. If you have a confirmed full tear of the rotator cuff you probably cannot abduct your arm more than 45 degrees and are functionally disabled if it is your dominant arm. You cannot reach overhead, comb your hair or file records on the top shelf at work. You can achieve significant relief of pain using a cannabis infused transdermal body balm applied directly to the middle deltoid region. The conjoint tendon of the rotator cuff sits right under that muscle. You can also use a cannabis infused transdermal patch for long acting relief. I encourage you to undergo arthroscopic repair if you have a full tear of the rotator cuff.\r\n     If you have not undergone diagnostic imaging of the shoulder you may simply have a tendinitis or a calcium deposit in the rotator cuff tendon. You should be aware you can undergo a simple ultrasound guided procedure in which saline is injected into the tendon to wash the calcium away. \r\n      Another alternative pain method is the use of a THC and or CBD infused sublingual tincture administered under the tongue. This will allow the blood supply of the tongue to distribute the cannabinoid to the head neck and drain into the shoulder region via the subclavian arteries.\r\n     \n\ndrsumchai","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10699-markdown","title":"I have muscle pain and depression, what is the best CBD strain for me with the lowest THC?","slug":"i-have-muscle-pain-and-depression-what-is-the-best-cbd-strain-for-me-with-the-lowest-thc","content":"\n_____________________\nI'm aware of two strains that are extremely low in CBD; AC/DC and Charlotte's Web.  AC/DC is a sativa strain with a CBD:THC ratio of 20:1 while Charlotte's Web is a hybrid which has less than 0.3% THC!  These strains were developed to help treat pain, anxiety, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and chemotherapy side effects without intoxication. Charlotte's Web was created specifically for a young epileptic named Charlotte by Colorado growers and may be more difficult to find. \n\nRemember that THC can have uplifting effects, so you might consider something with more THC that is still relatively low on the psychoactive scale, such as the sativa Harlequin.  Harlequin has a 1:1 ratio of CBD:THC so may counteract depression while still maintaining cognition. \n\ndredmunds","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10693-markdown","title":"Is there any difference in terms of pain management if I use edibles or vaporize?      ","slug":"is-there-any-difference-in-terms-of-pain-management-if-i-use-edibles-or-vaporize","content":"\"I heard something about the blood / brain barrier. Can you explain this please?\nReally appreciate this service!\"\n_____________________\nI definitely think so.\n\nsummertime1\n_____________________\nThe answer is yes. Since the subject of pain a topic we discuss often, this is an excellent question. If you suffer from pain from a medical condition, it is something that you want immediate relief for. vaporizing is an excellent way for cannabis to help with pain relief in a very short time. The THC and CBD in whatever your vaping immediately goes to the lungs and then does cross the blood brain barrier as you mention. This helps with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain and central nervous system which also contributes to the psychoactive effects of cannabis. For example, a study at the University of California San Francisco showed that a 4% THC concentration while vaping reduced neuropathic pain by 61%.\n\nEdibles can also help with pain, however they take between 1-2 hours to start to work. They are best used, for example, in the evening prior to sleep to help with pain relief through the night.\n\nPerry Solomon, MD\n_____________________\n There are differences in edibles versus vaporize cannabis. Whether inhaled or ingested end, cannabinoids cross the blood- brain barrier.  The differences mainly have to do with the amount of time necessary for the medication to start working, and then the length of time that the medication remains effective.  Vaporized cannabis enters the bloodstream almost immediately, and begins working with in minutes. It's peak effectiveness occurs around an hour later but it's effects on decreasing pain last about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the variety.   Edibles are another story. The absorption of edibles through the gastrointestinal tract is unpredictable and somewhat unreliable. It can take up to two hours for medication to become effective, but that varies.  On the other hand, the effect from edibles lasts much longer, commonly 6 to 8 hours.  Using edibles to treat pain is risky because you never know how much medication is going to be absorbed, and if your symptoms are not relieved quickly, the tendency is to increase the dose. Often times people do not wait the full two hours to reassess their pain scale. What commonly happens, is that people tend to take more edible medicine, before giving the first dose enough time to work,  thus increasing the likelihood of taking too much and experiencing adverse side effects – anxiety, paranoia, dizziness, etc.  If not using a tincture, I much rather have patients titrate their dose with vaporized medicine, thereby reassessing their pain scale every 10 to 15 minutes, and adding a puff of medication every 15 minutes, as needed until the pain is relieved or is, at least, bearable.  Vaporizing cannabis is more cost effective. A lot of medication is lost through the process of digestion.  Edible cannabis has more psychoactivity because when ingested, THC passes through the liver and is metabolized into a more psychoactive form. That can be a problem for patients who need to be clear minded and productive. That being said, some patients find cannabis teas to be especially effective in treating their painful symptoms and prefer it over inhalation.  It is probably best to try both methods and decide what works best for you.  \n\ndrfrye","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10691-markdown","title":"Trying to end pain in body? I'm struggling to eat, sleep, relax. I always feel depressed or paranoid. ","slug":"trying-to-end-pain-in-body-im-struggling-to-eat-sleep-relax-i-always-feel-depressed-or-paranoid","content":"\n_____________________\nFirst and foremost, I encourage you to seek a comprehensive medical evaluation to rule out easily treatable causes of your symptoms including Major Depression with vegetative symptoms, hypothyroidism, PTSD and in middle aged men, low testosterone. If you have psychotic features to your depression including paranoia, auditory hallucinations of thoughts of self harm you may face dangerous risks, potentially aggravated by any added medication. Please be careful using medical cannabis in very high THC concentrations. While THC common in sativa flower concentrations between 15 and 18% can promote a positive mood and creative thinking along with relief of pain and increased appetite, THC concentrations greater than 20% can trigger worsening paranoia and psychotic thinking.\n    For physical pain and the well defined cycle of chronic pain and mood disorder, you may want to explore medical cannabis options of longer duration and with a lessened side effect profile. Cannabis infused transdermal body balms, lotions and massage oils are a cost effective, safe and pleasurable way to achieve remarkable relief of pain arising from structures located beneath the skin. The hands, anterior knees, neck, shoulders, low back, ankles and the plantar surface of the feet are areas of the body where the skin penetration of a cannabis infused transdermal can offer effective relief...without a burden of cost or side effects!\n     You may also achieve remarkable relief of symptoms using a nutrition grade cannabis infused edible in a dose as low as 5 to 10mg of THC. This reliable long duration dosing can offer over 8 hours relief of pain, anxiety and muscle tension in a very cost effective and delicious vehicle of use.\n     Medical cannabis infused THC tinctures and pills in less than 10mg THC dosing are reliable alternatives to the well documented adverse drug reactions and addiction potential seen with prescription benzodiazepine class sedative hypnotics, SSRI and SNRI class antidepressants.\n     Again, I encourage you to seek medical follow up of your symptoms. If you are feeling depressed and have symptoms of suicidal ideation or auditory hallucinations I encourage you to seek urgent care evaluation as soon as possible.\n\ndrsumchai","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10688-markdown","title":"Are there different substances between strains (Indica, Sativa)?  Is this something that is seen in others?","slug":"are-there-different-substances-between-strains-indica-sativa-is-this-something-that-is-seen-in-others","content":"\"I have found that the Indica strains help control my orthopedic and migraine pain better than Sativa strains.  With the sativa I feel like my muscles are \"Over\" relaxed and my joints (shoulders, back, knees) are grinding together even more than normal.\n\nIn addition,  the Sativa causes my anxiety to spike.\n\nI have tried edibles, caplets, and vaporizing.\"\n_____________________\nFirst, you should understand that cannabis has been heavily hybridized since it first evolved and humans began cultivating it, so many of the original terpene and cannabinoid profiles have changed. There are some \"old world\" stable strains that persist and some users swear by there characteristics, but cannabis affects each user individually. The plant's chemical components serve to try to restore homeostasis in our internal biology. \n\nHistorically, Sativas were thought to be energizing and Indicas were thought to be more sedating. \n\nFor some of the older more stable strains that have retained their genetic character that may still be true, but the overall effect of the plant or product is a result of the entire chemical profile and our internal biology. Most medicinal cannabis obtained in California is tested and the chemical profiles can be reviewed. \n\nCertain terpenes such at \"Myrcene\" can produce sedation when present in higher concentrations in cannabis. Higher concentrations of myrcene tend to be more common in Indicas, thus the more sedating effect. This is not true of all Indicas, and newer hybrids may have varying chemical profiles.\n\nUse the website address below to see an example of an Indica profile:\n\nhttps://www.leafly.com/indica/granddaddy-purple\n\nNote the concentration of myrcene on the profile.\n\nYou can compare many common strain types in this way. I suggest you keep a \"treatment journal\" to note your responses to various strains and compare the profiles when available to determine which strains are more therapeutic for you.\n\n\n\ndrgerhart","image":null}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":600,"numPages":54,"currentPage":51,"id":5599,"name":"Pain","slug":"pain","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}