Cannabis for Chronic Back Pain: Moving Beyond Opioid-Based Treatments

Chronic back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal issues, affecting up to 16 million US adults. Despite its commonality, treatment options have often centered on one of two approaches: surgery or opioid medications.

These measures can be effective in certain situations, but they come with risks, including the potential for addiction and uncomfortable side effects. That’s why many people with chronic pain are exploring alternative treatments.

At MediCalm-PA, LLC, board-certified physician Kimberlee Park, DO, often recommends medical cannabis to help manage chronic back pain. Here, we address why chronic back pain occurs, the limitations of opioid-based treatment, and how medical cannabis may help.

Understanding chronic back pain

Almost everyone experiences back pain at one time or another, but when symptoms persist for three months or longer, it’s considered chronic. You might assume this type of pain only occurs after a serious injury. However, that isn’t always the case. 

Some of the most common causes of chronic back pain include:

• Arthritis
• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Muscle strain
• Degenerative disc disease

Many people try to manage their pain with lifestyle and activity changes or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. But when it comes to chronic pain, these treatments rarely work, which is why opioids are often prescribed. 

The limitations of opioid-based treatment

Opioid medications such as hydrocodone and oxycodone are effective at relieving pain. They ease pain quickly without addressing the underlying cause of the condition, so many people end up relying on them. They’re dangerous because the body adapts to their effects, eventually requiring higher doses to achieve relief.

Taking opioids for a few weeks or months can present a range of side effects, from constipation and drowsiness to dependence and even overdose. Because of these risks, we recommend exploring safer, non-opioid options.

How cannabis may help with chronic back pain

Medical cannabis is one of those options, and it’s becoming increasingly popular. 

Instead of only addressing symptoms, the cannabis plant interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) — a complex cell-signaling network that helps regulate various bodily processes, including mood, sleep, appetite, and pain — to support homeostasis (overall balance in the body).

Some people with chronic back pain who use medical cannabis notice that their symptoms improve, allowing them to move more comfortably and have a better quality of life. 

Research is ongoing, but early evidence suggests that medical cannabis can help regulate chronic pain. Specifically, it may help reduce inflammation and pain intensity by modulating neurotransmitter activity in the nervous system.

At the same time, the ECS plays an essential role in modulating pain signaling. That means whenever inflammation or pain increases, the body produces endocannabinoids, molecules that help reduce pain and support healing from tissue damage. 

Together, these factors may help:

• Relieve chronic pain
• Reduce inflammation
• Relax tight muscles
• Improve sleep

Another benefit of medical cannabis is that you have several ways to use it, including edibles, oils, tinctures, topicals, and vaporized products. This variety also makes it easier to adjust dosages for optimal results, so patients can determine what works for them.

Find out if medical cannabis can relieve your chronic back pain

If you’ve been diagnosed with chronic back pain and you want to avoid or wean off opioid medication, medical cannabis is worth considering. To learn more about this approach, request a non-certification consultation or medical marijuana certification with Dr. Park.

Contact MediCalm to set up your phone appointment today. You can call 484-440-9494 or use online scheduling.