What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition caused by damage to peripheral nerves, attributing to weakness, pain, and numbness in the hands and feet. Known to be a prevalent disease, with over 20 million cases in the United States, many Floridians often report a loss of independence, as they are prevented from fully engaging in activities that once brought them joy. The physical limitations resulting from the painful symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can prevent anyone from living their best life, but it does not need to be this way.
The Benefit of Medical Marijuana for Peripheral Neuropathy
More people are experiencing relief from their burdensome symptoms arising from peripheral neuropathy with the responsible use of medical marijuana, and here is why:
Considered a natural remedy, THC and CBD compounds in medical marijuana interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for modulating pain response. As preliminary data suggest, it is believed that the central and peripheral nervous system receptors readily accept THC and CBD, allowing these two naturally-derived chemical compounds to restore dysregulated neural response to stimuli, thereby resulting in reduced pain.
When a nerve cell (also known as a neuron) is damaged, altered gene activity within it causes an increased hypersensitivity to stimuli. This sensitization persists even after the nerve damage is fully healed, causing increased cellular activity that manifests in painful nerve-related symptoms. THC and CBD are cannabinoids that can reduce these symptoms by modifying abnormally heightened cellular activities within the neuron.
Medical Marijuana vs. Traditional Treatment
Common medications prescribed to treat peripheral neuropathy are pain relievers, anti-depressants, and anti-seizure medications. The primary purpose of these treatment regimens is to control and relieve nerve pain, yet they come with various unwanted side effects, including decreased libido, dizziness, memory loss, and addiction.
Correspondingly, research data reveals that THC and CBD, natural chemical derivatives of the cannabis sativa plant, can provide comparable therapeutic relief as traditional treatment methods, with minimal to no side effects when given in low doses.
Additionally, numerous studies support the efficacy of smoked or inhaled cannabis in its flower form as a complementary therapy for neuropathy in its various etiologies. Furthermore, there are demonstrated secondary benefits, such as improved sleep quality and functional improvement.
We Are Here to Support You!
Do not let the pain from peripheral neuropathy get in the way of living your best life. We at DocMJ are here to support you in your path to healing. To see if medical marijuana is right for you, simply contact us to schedule an in-person physician evaluation at one of our many convenient Florida locations.
Contacting us is easy, with various convenient ways to connect with our DocMJ team. You can select “book now” on the DocMJ Homepage. Additionally, virtually scheduling an appointment is a breeze by utilizing the virtual chat box, which can be accessed in the bottom right corner of the DocMJ website.
Aaron Bloom, an experienced healthcare attorney, serves as the CEO of DocMJ and Medwell Health and Wellness Centers, where he has overseen the organizations’ mission and growth since 2016. In addition to his leadership roles, Aaron serves on the Board of Directors for Waterfall Bank, bringing his expertise in healthcare, compliance, and strategic growth to the financial services sector.
Aaron’s passion for improving patients’ lives stems from more than 20 years of owning, operating, and representing traditional healthcare organizations. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to finding better ways to relieve suffering and expand access to innovative, patient-centered care. As CEO, Aaron works each day to help patients achieve better health and wellness through the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis and other evidence-based alternative medicines.