March 31st, 2015 – A recent study has revealed the link between cannabinoids and its effect on chronic back pain and other related ailments. The Institute of Medicine of The National Academies reported that 100 million Americans live with chronic pain, the vast majority being those living with specifically back pain. As budgetary costs in the United States for treatment of chronic pain exceeds the yearly cost of heart disease, cancer and diabetes, finding a cheaper and safer alternative has been a much-desired hunt.
The intervertebral disc (IVD) is a fibrous cartilage tissue located between the bone segments that form our spine, the vertebras. The purpose of the intervertebral discs is to aid the spines mobility and to absorb the constant impact from daily movement. Degeneration of the intervertebral discs is a result of many contributing factors such as aging, deficiency of oxygen and essential sugars and water, and general inflammation of the region. The deterioration of these fibrous discs is believed to be the main source of chronic neck and back pain and with 25% of the population living under 40 with clear signs of IVD degeneration, there remains an absence of effective treatment and therapy.
After last years study, Protective Effects of Cannabidiol on Lesion-Induced Intervertebral Disc Degeneration, patients suffering from an IVD related condition may be in luck. The cannabis compound, cannabidiol, known for its non-psychoactive properties, has a keen relationship to our bodies as for the reduction of pain and anti-inflammation. The study tested three different quantities of CBD extract on 19 rodents suffering from an intentional replica of human IVD degeneration. The MRI scan showed that while the two lower dosages showed little to no effect on the discs, the higher dosage helped reduce the damage for the 15-day study period. Although there is always room for more scientific consensus on the matter, the study concludes that cannabidiol, administered at high dosages, “revealed anti-degenerative effects”. Going further as to “suggest that this compound could be useful in the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration”
CBD is now beginning to validate itself in studies all over the medical world, showcasing its versatility in therapy and treatment for a plethora of ailments and conditions. Intervertebral disc degeneration is yet another condition that can be reduced and managed with cannabidiol, placing chronic pain in the ever expanding list of ailments treatable with CBD.
For more information on medicinal cannabis’ benefits for chronic pain, Click the links below:
http://www.thehempnews.com/the-benefits-of-medical-marijuana-for-chronic-pain-sufferers-2/