Symptomatic degenerative disc disease is one of the leading causes of disability, affecting more than 400 million people worldwide. With over 20% of all U.S adults estimated to have some level of degeneration by age 65, there's a need for a treatment option with fewer side effects.
Most individuals with degenerative disc disease are choosing medical cannabis as an alternative treatment option, as it has fewer adverse effects that can be easily managed compared to conventional treatments such as opioids. But can medical marijuana for degenerative disc disease help?
This is a condition in which a damaged disc in your spinal column causes pain. The pain can vary from nagging to disabling. Most people’s spinal discs show signs of wear as they age. In some people, this can progress to degenerative disc disease. It typically results in a wide range of symptoms and levels of severity.
Discs are fluid-filled cushions between the bones in your spine. They are flexible, allowing the spine to bend and flex without pain.
They also prevent the vertebrae from hitting or grinding each other when you move and act as shock absorbers, cushioning impacts that could damage the spine.
Degenerative disc disease can be caused by many factors, including some you can't control, such as aging. When the discs degenerate, they lose fluidity. This significantly reduces their cushioning ability, leading to severe pain, stiffness, and possibly nerve compression.
Degenerative disc disease is managed through a range of treatment options, including weight loss, core exercises, decreasing manual labour, medications, and physical therapy. If those options are exhausted and the symptoms are severe, surgery may be considered.
This condition is often managed using opioids, which may lead to dependency and addiction. To avoid these adverse effects, individuals are now switching to natural alternatives like medical cannabis.
Medical cannabis is a potential, non-invasive treatment option for pain relief with degenerative disc disease.
Spinal discs sit between the bones of the spine and are a bit like shock absorbers. They help your back stay flexible while absorbing the force from all kinds of impact. Several factors can lead to degenerative disc disease, including:
Degenerative disc disease typically requires treatment options and external intervention since once a disc is injured, it can’t repair itself. Damage to the disc can lead to a spiral of degeneration that manifests in stages over 20 to 30 years. Symptoms of this condition include:
Conventional treatment options for degenerative disc disease include surgical intervention, artificial disc replacement, nonoperative treatment via back braces, and pain management via opioids.
A significant body of research has shown that medical cannabis can benefit patients with chronic pain.
Cannabinoids are thought to help with pain stemming from systemic inflammation, such as with disc injuries and conditions like arthritis. Cannabidiol (CBD), in particular, is believed to stimulate an autoimmune response during the inflammation process. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is thought to interact with cannabinoid receptors in the brain to help reduce pain signaling.
Medical cannabis can help deal with the associated symptoms of chronic pain, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia. It’s also considered to be a better alternative to prescription opioids and a viable treatment option for degenerative disc disease.
1. Is Medical Cannabis Good for Degenerative Disc Disease?
Cannabinoids, including CBD and THC, have demonstrated potential pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. While medical marijuana can not prevent degeneration or stop the disease, it may alleviate the symptoms you are experiencing.
Several studies have found evidence that cannabis can help manage chronic pain, such as that caused by degenerative disc disease.
2. Is Cannabis Better than Traditional Options for Degenerative Disc Disease and Back Pain?
Some conventional treatment options, such as opioids, may be very effective in managing the pain caused by degenerative disc disease. However, they have very severe adverse effects, especially when used long-term.
These treatments may cause dependency and addiction in the long run. Medical cannabis, on the other hand, has been shown to be effective for chronic pain, with no or minimal adverse effects.
3. How Can I Stop Degenerative Disc Disease?
This depends on the cause of the degeneration. In some cases, nothing can prevent the progression once it starts. In others, low impact exercises, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes may help prevent the condition from worsening.
Treatment options such as medical cannabis may help manage the symptoms, such as chronic pain and inflammation, improving quality of life.
4. How Long Does Medical Cannabis Take to Work for Degenerative Disc Disease?
How long medical cannabis takes to work for degenerative disc disease depends on what form you are taking. Oral products such as gummies and edibles take time due to the digestion process, the effects are typically felt within 30 minutes to 2 hours. For tinctures applied sublingually, the relief may be experienced in 15 to 30 minutes.
5. Is Degenerative Disc Disease a Qualifying Condition in Texas?
Individuals with degenerative disc disease may be eligible for medical cannabis under the compassionate use program. To find out if you qualify, schedule a telemedicine appointment with our board-certified, CURT-registered physicians at Texas 420 Doctors.
If you’re exploring alternative sources of pain relief for a degenerative disc, consider starting a medical cannabis routine. Book a telemedicine appointment with one of our physicians at Texas 420 Doctors.
All our doctors are board-certified and CURT-registered. Get your medical cannabis approval letter and dispensary recommendations, and conveniently order medical cannabis online from the comfort of your home.
Contact us with questions about our services or treatment options for degenerative disc disease. We are available to discuss your condition and offer guidance for treatment.
