Experiencing physical pain is a normal thing after a bruise or injury. Pain alerts us of a defect in our physical make- up, hence, it proves useful. Pain can be classified into two: acute pain and chronic pain.

Acute pain is the type that only lasts for a couple of hours or a few days. It normally alerts us of a bruise, a cut or an injury that needs treatment. However, chronic pain often takes longer than a few days or weeks. It can last as long as three months or more.

According to Healthline, pain often subsides after an injury. As the injury heals, the pain subsides and decreases. However, with chronic pain, it doesn’t go away, even though the injury has healed.

Hence, chronic pain can impact one’s daily routine negatively. In other words, the individual’s productivity level will reduce considerably. He/ she might even find it difficult to carry our day to day activities. This is because the pain has the ability to impact your mobility and strength as well.

The American Academy of Pain Medicine states that over 1.5 billion people globally suffer from chronic pain. If left untreated, chronic pain has been known to lead to disability. Hence, it is imperative to seek treatment if you may be experiencing chronic pain.

Causes of Chronic Pain

As previously mentioned, pain is a sign of an injury or bruise. According to Healthline, when an injury or bruise occurs, pain signals travel to your brain. The pain receptors in your brain pick the signals up and register them as pain.

Chronic pain can be caused by an injury, sprain or bruise. However, instead of subsiding, the pain may build up and worsen over time. Research points out that damaged nerves are the major cause of severe pain.

Please note that there are different types of chronic pain. Hence, the causes of this type of pain can differ. This type of pain has been said to be connected to certain conditions. They include back pain, headaches or migraines, shingles and multiple sclerosis just to name a few.

Finding out the underlying cause of the pain helps in finding the right treatment. Regardless, chronic pain is said to be hard to control and treat.  According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine, using painkillers for treatment does not help much. More specifically, painkillers only help at least half of the American population that suffers from chronic pain.

Doctors also employ the use of therapy and medications to treat different types of pain. Back pain is often treated by therapy, whereas migraines are often treated with the use of medication. Some even employ the use of electrical stimulation, nerve blocks or even the use of opiates.

Studies have revealed that opiates may lead to addiction. In other words, the patient may grow dependent or addicted to the opiates. Hence, more and more individuals are turning to alternative methods of treatment such acupuncture.

Studies have revealed that opiates may lead to addiction. In other words, the patient may grow dependent or addicted to the opiates. Hence, more and more individuals are turning to alternative methods of treatment such acupuncture.

Chronic Pain and Cannabis

The use of marijuana for medical uses has increased over the past few years. Its effectiveness in treating different conditions has helped increase its popularity. It has been known to treat epilepsy, anxiety, insomnia and even lupus. Moreover, numerous studies reveal that medical marijuana helps slow down the growth of cancer cells. Please note that the use of medical marijuana is only legal in certain states of America. In this instance, there are only certain states that can legally administer marijuana to treat pain. The legalized states include Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon and Washington just to name a few.

Recently, the state of Maryland also qualified for the use of medical marijuana. The real question here is, how exactly does marijuana help alleviate chronic pain? Well, let us take a look. Our bodies have a system known as the Endocannabinoid system. This system holds different types of receptors that are present throughout the entire body. The main receptors include the CB1 and CB2.

The above-mentioned receptors can be found in tissues and vital organs of the body. More specifically, the receptors are present in the immune system, the nervous system, joints, glands and other organs.  Now, there are certain active compounds in cannabis that can interact with these receptors. These active compounds include CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). The THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) compound is known for its euphoric effects.

According to Lifehacker, THC closely resembles a cannabinoid that is produced by the body. This particular cannabinoid is known as anandamide and is known for regulating mood, appetite and sleep. Hence, THC can also regulate mood, appetite and sleep. This is what gives cannabis its ability to help treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. Moreover, it THC can also help alleviate pain, especially when combined with CBD.

Medical marijuana can help treat pain caused by cancer treatments, back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica and headaches just to name a few. According to the marijuana doctors, you can take cannabis in any form to treat pain.

However, it is important to note that if you smoke marijuana, THC gets into the bloodstream faster. This is as opposed to eating it. Regardless of the method used, the results are the same. The patient should experience pain relief.