What is neuropathic pain?
Neuropathic pain refers to any type of pain or discomfort produced by nerve injury, lesions, or disease. It can be difficult to diagnose and, as a result, treat. An estimated 7 in 100 people in the UK suffer from chronic neuropathic pain, however it is difficult to say for certain how many people are affected.
What are the symptoms of neuropathic pain?
The symptoms of neuropathic pain vary and are heavily influenced by both the individual and the nerve that’s also producing the pain. However, there are several general signs that may be an early warning sign of neuropathic pain:
- A burning sensation
- Stabbing or shooting pain anywhere in the body
- Unexplained aches
- A tingling sensation
- An electric shock
- A sensation of pins and needles
- Other forms of pain to look out for that could be forms of neuropathic pain are:
Allodynia: pain caused by a stimulus that would not typically cause pain, such as certain movements, sounds, or sights
Hyperalgesia: an exaggerated response to a stimulus that usually causes mild pain, such as extremely bright light, loud noises, and so on
Paraesthesia: painful or unpleasant sensations in the absence of a stimulus, such as pins and needles
What causes neuropathic pain?
There are a variety of different potential causes for neuropathic pain. Depending on the cause, the symptoms might present themselves in different ways. The main causes of neuropathic pain include:
- Systemic conditions, such as thyroid disease, renal disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, ad multiple sclerosis
- Nutritional deficiencies, such as developing a vitamin B12 deficiency
- Consuming certain toxins, such as alcohol excess or chemotherapy
- Infections, such as shingles or HIV Traumatic injuries or compressions, such as nerve compression or entrapment/injury
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Phantom limb syndrome
- Spinal cord injury
- Strokes
What treatment options are available for neuropathic pain?
Over-the-counter painkillers rarely have any effect on neuropathic pain. Instead, treatment will often need to include input from a range of medical professionals. For example, someone suffering with neuropathic pain may seek out a combination of physiotherapy and psychological therapies to manage their symptoms.
It’s also likely that modifications will need to be made to both work and home environments to help maintain a good quality of life are important aspects of patient care.
When it comes to prescription medications, the first line of defense is most often antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and duloxetine, or antiepileptics, such as gabapentin and pregabalin. Other treatments sometimes also include certain medicated creams and gels, such as capsaicin or lidocaine, and nerve blocks. Exactly which route is chosen depends on the individual and the advice from their doctor.
How can medical cannabis help with neuropathic pain?
Medical cannabis has been known to help with chronic pain in various forms, but even more specifically, an Italian study from 2014 showed marked results for patients suffering from neuropathic pain. Medical cannabis often helps patients manage pain symptoms, regaining a sense of comfort and allowing them to pursue everyday activities that they might otherwise be prevented from due to the severity of their symptoms.
When traditional treatment methods let patients down, medical cannabis can be a welcome alternative.
How can medical cannabis help with neuropathic pain?
Medical cannabis has gained attention in the medical community for its potential to help alleviate neuropathic pain, a type of pain caused by damage or malfunction in the nervous system. Neuropathic pain can be chronic and debilitating, often challenging to manage with conventional pain medications. Here’s how medical cannabis may offer relief for individuals suffering from neuropathic pain:
- Interaction with Endocannabinoid System: The human body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including pain sensation. Cannabinoids in medical cannabis, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), interact with the ECS receptors in the nervous system, potentially modulating pain signals.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Neuropathic pain can be caused or exacerbated by inflammation. Some cannabinoids in medical cannabis have anti-inflammatory properties, which might help reduce inflammation in the nerves, leading to pain relief.
- Neuroprotective Effects: Cannabinoids have shown neuroprotective properties, which means they can protect nerve cells from damage. By preserving the integrity of nerve cells, medical cannabis may help prevent or reduce neuropathic pain.
- Pain Modulation: Medical cannabis can modulate how pain signals are transmitted and perceived in the brain. It may alter the way the brain processes pain, making the experience of pain less intense or bothersome.
- Reduction of Anxiety and Depression: Chronic pain conditions, including neuropathic pain, often coexist with anxiety and depression. Certain cannabinoids, especially CBD, have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and antidepressant effects, which can help improve the overall well-being of individuals with neuropathic pain.
- Improved Sleep: Chronic pain conditions can disrupt sleep patterns. Medical cannabis, in some cases, has been reported to help individuals with neuropathic pain sleep better due to its relaxing effects.
It’s important to note that while some patients find relief from neuropathic pain through medical cannabis, its effectiveness can vary from person to person. Additionally, the use of medical cannabis should be approached cautiously and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Dosage, strain selection, and administration methods (such as smoking, vaporizing, or edibles) should be carefully considered to achieve the best results while minimizing potential side effects. Consulting a healthcare provider with expertise in medical cannabis is crucial to ensuring safe and effective use for neuropathic pain management.