I Suffer from Chronic Pain: Is Medical Marijuana an Option?

Chronic pain affects a significant part of your daily life, including mobility, mood, and sleep. When anti-inflammatories and physical therapy are no longer effective at managing your pain, it may be time to consider the therapeutic benefits of medical marijuana.

AABP Integrative Pain and Wellness offers comprehensive evaluations to determine if you’re a candidate for medical marijuana.

Our experienced pain management team can recommend medical marijuana for adults aged 21 and older who can’t find sufficient pain relief with other therapies. Medical marijuana may also be a pain control solution for those who want to avoid opioids and other potentially addictive medications.

Medical marijuana and its effect on chronic pain

Medical marijuana refers to the use of cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD f(cannabidiol) for medical purposes.

The cannabis compounds are an effective treatment for different chronic pain conditions because they directly affect the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in pain and inflammation regulation. This system also contributes to a person’s mood and sleep quality.

Cannabis compounds mimic the natural molecules in the body and bind to receptors in the brain to alter the release of neurotransmitters in the brain associated with pain. While medical marijuana can address different origins of chronic pain, it’s especially effective for relieving the persistent pain of nerve-related conditions.

Qualifying for medical marijuana

Many people tolerate medical marijuana well. However, our providers don’t typically recommend it as the first line of treatment for chronic pain.

If traditional pain management strategies aren’t working well or are no longer effective at managing chronic pain, medical marijuana may be an option.

Our providers at AABP Integrative Pain and Wellness may prescribe medical marijuana for conditions like:

• Sciatica
• Fibromyalgia
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Spinal cord injuries
• Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)

In addition to the pain-relieving benefits, medical marijuana can also relieve issues associated with chronic pain, such as poor appetite, anxiety, and insomnia.

Medical marijuana generally isn’t an effective treatment for short-term pain from injuries and surgery or for chronic pain associated with migraines.

What to expect from your medical marijuana treatment plan

Our experienced pain management specialists focus on your individual health needs when prescribing medical marijuana. They work closely with you to find the appropriate dose and delivery method to achieve optimal pain relief.

AABP Integrative Pain and Wellness provides the certification required by New York State’s Office of Cannabis Management to purchase medical marijuana from a licensed dispensary. There are several delivery methods available, including:

• Vapes
• Tablets
• Capsules
• Oral sprays
• Tinctures

Medical marijuana typically works best in combination with other therapies, such as physical therapy, at-home exercises, and diet changes. Our team continues to monitor your progress with medical marijuana and can adjust your dosage as needed during follow-up visits.

When your certification comes up for renewal, our providers reevaluate the effectiveness of medical marijuana therapy and can provide recertification documents.

Call AABP Integrative Pain and Wellness in Brooklyn, New York, today to schedule a medical marijuana certification consultation or book an appointment online.