Medical marijuana is now available for a wide range of physical and mental conditions thanks to the beneficial properties of its components. One such condition medical marijuana is often used to help with is spasticity.
Spasticity is a condition that causes stiffening, tightening, and other involuntary movements in your muscles. It’s often caused by conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It can also be caused as a result of brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, strokes, and other issues.
On top of causing uncontrollable spasms and physical discomfort, spasticity can lead to fatigue, problems with growth, deformities, and reduce the quality of life of sufferers. Spasticity is often treated with physical therapy and medications, but medical marijuana has emerged as a promising alternative treatment.
What Is Spasticity & How Is It Treated?
Spasticity is a condition characterized by severe and painful muscle spasms and discomfort in the muscles. It’s caused by damage to the brain and spinal cord and can cause serious problems for sufferers. Patients with spasticity have problems with growth and movement and also suffer from pain, fatigue, and other uncomfortable symptoms.
Many patients experience spasticity as a symptom of serious incurable conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, it can also be caused by serious brain injuries, strokes, or injuries to the spinal cord. Treatment is often used to help reduce spasticity and, in some cases, get rid of it.
Physical therapy is often used as a way to help patients with spasticity regain control of their movements and reduce muscle spasms. Medications such as benzodiazepines and diazepam can also be used to treat spasticity, although these often come with unwanted side effects. Medical marijuana has become a popular alternative for reducing symptoms of spasticity.
Medical Marijuana & Spasticity
Patients who want an alternative treatment for spasticity often use medical marijuana. Research suggests that marijuana can help calm muscle spasticity as well as reducing the pain associated with it and helping with various other related symptoms and complications.
A study on using cannabis for spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients found that it helped patients manage their symptoms effectively. Compared to a placebo, smoking cannabis was found to be much more effective at reducing spasticity in patients as well as relieving their pain. What’s more, patients experienced no adverse effects from using cannabis.
A 2010 study found that Sativex– a cannabinoid-based oral spray- was also helpful for treating spasticity. Many patients found that the treatment helped reduce their symptoms with limited side effects. Another study found that taking a daily dose of THC helped patients with spasticity from spinal cord injuries manage and reduce their symptoms.
These are just a few of the studies showing that marijuana can have significant health benefits for those suffering from spasticity. As well as helping with spasticity itself, medical marijuana can also help with other associated symptoms and help patients improve their quality of life.
How Medical Marijuana Helps With Spasticity Symptoms
Patients with spasticity don’t just have to deal with muscle spasms and problems with movement. Spasticity can also lead to other issues such as severe stress, sleep problems, and fatigue. Fortunately, medical marijuana can also help with many of these symptoms.
One of the biggest perks of using medical marijuana for spasticity is that it has powerful pain-relieving properties. Patients with spasticity often deal with pain due to muscle contractions and stiffness, and marijuana can help alleviate the physical discomfort they experience.
Marijuana is also known to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Anyone dealing with a painful or uncomfortable condition such as spasticity is likely to deal with mood problems. Marijuana can help counteract these symptoms and give them a more positive mindset.
It’s also worth noting that marijuana can help counteract sleep problems. Dealing with muscle spasms, pain, and stress can lead to insomnia for spasticity patients. Marijuana can help them get to sleep easier and wake up feeling refreshed and less fatigued.
How To Use Medical Marijuana For Spasticity
Patients who want to use medical marijuana for spasticity have plenty of methods of consumption to choose from. Some methods are faster-acting whereas some are more convenient, but all of them can work well for managing the symptoms of spasticity.
Smoking or vaping Cannabis Flower is especially common as you can choose the best strain for your needs and get instant, fast-acting benefits. However, some prefer to use other types of cannabis products that don’t require inhalation.
One of the most popular alternative ways to use medical marijuana is with Marijuana Tinctures. These are liquid products that allow you to apply a dose of THC-infused oil under your tongue and absorb the cannabinoids into your body. You can also take Marijuana Capsules or Edibles if you want a quick and easy oral dose of THC.
Patients who want to avoid the psychoactive effects of THC can use CBD products instead. CBD or cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that’s often used by patients who want to consume cannabinoids without getting high. CBD can be used in various forms, including CBD Tinctures/Oils, Edibles, Capsules, Vape Products, and Topicals.
How To Get Medical Marijuana For Spasticity
Although medical marijuana is now legally available for all adults aged 21 or over in certain states, those who want to use medical marijuana for spasticity should apply for a medical card via their state’s MMJ program. This allows you to get high-quality products for your spasticity at good prices.
For Florida patients, getting a medical card involves a few simple steps. You must first visit a qualified medical marijuana doctor in the state for them to assess your symptoms and confirm you have a qualifying condition. You can then apply for your medical card online and receive it within a couple of weeks.
Once your medical card application is approved, you can visit medical dispensaries and buy a range of medical marijuana and CBD products.
The Takeaway
Spasticity is a condition that causes all kinds of uncomfortable symptoms for patients. While treatments such as physical therapy and sedatives can help, medical marijuana offers a safe and effective way to relieve symptoms and help patients improve their quality of life.
Treat Spasticity naturally with medical marijuana by getting your medical marijuana card. The first step is to schedule an appointment with a medical marijuana doctor. We make it fast and easy!
