Stiffness, pain, and involuntary muscle spasms are the hallmarks of the neuromuscular disorder known as spasticity. The condition is incurable, however there are ways to alleviate the symptoms. The use of medicinal marijuana to treat spasticity, for instance, has shown positive results.
Pain, impaired mobility, and difficulties with coordination are all symptoms of spasticity. Walking and reaching, for example, become arduous chores because of the impairment in muscular control caused by this illness.
Causes of Spasticity have not been fully understood.
A defect in the transmission of nerve impulses from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles results in spasticity. This may occur as a result of damage to or illness in the brain or spinal cord, or other neurological disorders.
Common causes of spasticity include: Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, and Traumatic Brain Injury. Those who have had a stroke or spinal cord injury.
The good news is that spasticity meets the criteria for a medicinal marijuana card in Australia. If you or a loved one in Australia has been diagnosed with spasticity or another ailment for which medical marijuana is legal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a qualified medical marijuana doctor.
Indicators of Spasticity
Legs, arms, and back are the most typical areas affected by spasticity, however it can affect any muscle group. The muscles affected by spasticity will feel tight and rigid. Because of this, it’s hard to walk normally or move the afflicted limb with ease. Spasticity symptoms can be rather variable in intensity and are often more intense when you first wake up.
In addition to these, spasticity can cause hyperactive reflexes, involuntary movements, spasms, pain, diminished motor function, constipation, frequent fever, abnormal posture, permanent muscle or tendon contraction, bone and joint abnormalities, anxiety, and depression.
The Use of Medical Marijuana for Spasticity
Spasticity affects over half a million Australians; those who suffer from it may be curious about available treatments. Spasticity is a common problem for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), and marijuana has showed promise as a treatment throughout the years.
Medical cannabis plant and its by-products, such cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), interact with the body’s endogenous cannabinoid system, and has been administered for many medical conditions. This network is in charge of keeping the body in a steady state of equilibrium, or homoeostasis.
When cannabinoids attach to their endocannabinoid system receptors, they trigger a cascade of physiological responses, including attenuation of inflammation, pain, and spasms. Further, by shielding nerves from deterioration, medicinal cannabis may decrease the worsening of spasticity.
Furthermore, spasticity-related physiological symptoms including anxiety and sadness may respond well to medical Cannabis.
Weed Types and Terpenes to Treat Spasticity
Researching and locating strains that are proven to be useful to your specific illness is always a smart idea when using medical marijuana for any treatment. The impact of medical cannabis is also affected by the unique combination of terpenes present in each strain.
Spasms can be alleviated by using cannabis strains that are rich in terpenes like myrcene and caryophyllene.
The following strains have been proposed as possible treatments for spasticity:
Grandaddy Purple
Grape, cherry, and plum flavours permeate the relaxing Granddaddy Purple strain of cannabis, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to unwind. This kind has been shown to reduce spasticity and stress levels in the body.
Granddaddy Purple may alleviate spasticity, as well as discomfort, tension, and poor appetite. If spasticity-related sleeplessness is a problem for you, this strain, like Bubba Kush, may assist.
Bubba Kush
The powerful sedative effects have made this Indica strain quite popular. The muscle-relaxing effects of Bubba Kush make it an excellent treatment for spasticity. This strain may also be useful for those who suffer from stiffness and sleeplessness because to its sedative effects.
The Charlotte’s Web
Another strain with the perfect amount of CBD to treat spasticity is Charlotte’s Web, which has a low THC content. In order to alleviate your condition without becoming overly euphoric, this Sativa variety may be the best option. Charlotte’s Web is a treat for the body and the tongue because to its delightful sweetness and zesty flavour.
ACDC
The THC content of this hybrid strain is quite low, while the CBD content is quite significant. This treatment has the potential to alleviate pain and stiffness. While it does have some psychedelic effects, ACDC has a more earthy flavour. The ACDC strain may be an excellent choice if you’re seeking for something to utilise during the day.
Relief from Muscle Spasms with Terpenes
Caryophyllene is a terpene with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects that may help alleviate pain and inflammation. Tones of soil and coffee may be detected in Bubba Kush thanks to the presence of caryophyllene.
The most frequent terpene in medical marijuana is myrcene, which may be found in strains including ADCD, Granddaddy Purple, and Charlotte’s Web. The calming properties of this terpene make it ideal for treating insomnia and muscle stiffness.
If you like the scent of lavender, you might like the terpene linalool since it is pleasant and flowery. Linalool’s calming and anti-inflammatory properties make it a promising candidate for alleviating painful muscular spasms.
Consequences of Using Medical Cannabis to Treat Spasticity
There are some potential negative effects of medical cannabis, despite the fact that the drug is typically safe and well-tolerated. The following are some of the things that can shift: sleep, fatigue, memory, appetite, mood, and reaction time.
Side effects are usually modest and short-lived. To reduce the likelihood of unwanted effects, it’s best to begin treatment with a modest dose and increase only if absolutely necessary.
See a Local Marijuana Doctor Specializing in Spasticity Today
Do you or someone you care about need help with spasticity? The medical marijuana experts on our team are dedicated to helping their patients. A Australia citizen with a qualifying ailment, such as spasticity, may be able to get medicinal Cannabis for treatment. Make an appointment right now by completing our brief qualifying survey.
Finally
We know you might be curios to find out more information and discuss medicinal cannabis uses, or where to get legal medicinal cannabis products in Australia, or who is authorised to prescribe medicinal cannabis products to you, and we know lots of people are also worried about the use of medicinal cannabis sativa.
For all these, schedule a consultation session today with our experts at Chronic Therapy to get professional advice about any medicinal cannabis product or medicinal use of the product to maximise your benefits from it.
Related: The Pros and Cons of Lozenges and Wafers Containing Medical Cannabis