Neuropathic Pain
Understanding Neuropathic Pain
Already know what you’re looking for? Simply use the quick links, or continue reading the complete guide below.
What is neuropathic pain?
Neuropathic pain can be a frustrating and debilitating condition that affects many people. It can be caused by a variety of factors, from nerve damage to autoimmune diseases. If you’re living with neuropathic pain, you know how challenging it can be to find effective relief.
Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition that stems from damage or dysfunction in the nervous system. It can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Burning or tingling pain
- Sharp, shooting pain
- Sensitivity to touch
- Sensitivity to temperature changes
Medicinal cannabis has emerged as a potentially promising treatment option for neuropathic pain. Read on as we explore how cannabis works, its potential benefits, and what you should know before considering it as a treatment option.
The causes of neuropathic pain
The main cause of neuropathic pain is damage or dysfunction to the nervous system as a result of:
- Nerve injury: Damage to the nerves can result from physical injury, surgery, or compression due to a herniated disc or other conditions.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels in people with diabetes can damage the nerves and lead to neuropathic pain.
- Infections: Viral or bacterial infections such as shingles, HIV/AIDS, or Lyme disease can damage the nerves and cause neuropathic pain.
- Autoimmune disorders: Certain autoimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus, can attack the nerves and cause neuropathic pain.
- Hereditary disorders: Some genetic conditions, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, can cause damage to the nerves, leading to neuropathic pain.
- Toxin exposure: Exposure to toxins such as chemotherapy drugs, heavy metals, or alcohol can cause nerve damage and result in neuropathic pain.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins, such as B12 or folate, can damage the nerves and cause neuropathic pain.
In many cases, the cause of neuropathic pain may be unknown. Understanding the underlying cause of the pain can help with effective treatment and management.
Symptoms of neuropathic pain
Neuropathic pain can manifest as shooting, stabbing, or burning pain, tingling or numbness, electric shock-like sensations, hypersensitivity to touch or temperature changes, muscle weakness or twitching, difficulty with balance and coordination, loss of reflexes, dizziness or lightheadedness, fatigue, and depression or anxiety. Symptoms may be continuous or intermittent and may worsen over time if left untreated.
Treatment for neuropathic pain
Traditional treatment options
In Australia, neuropathic pain can be treated through several non-drug interventions, such as psychological support, physical therapy, TENS, nerve blocks, acupuncture, and nutritional therapy. Surgery may also be an option for certain cases.
If you’re living with neuropathic pain, speaking with your healthcare provider can help determine the most effective treatment plan based on your condition and needs.
While these treatments can be effective for some people, others may not find relief or may experience unwanted side effects.
Alternative treatment options
In addition to complementary therapies, alternative treatments like acupuncture and meditation may provide some relief for neuropathic pain. One alternative treatment that has gained attention in recent years is medicinal cannabis. This refers to the use of cannabis or its components, such as THC and CBD, to treat various medical conditions, including neuropathic pain.
Using medicinal cannabis may provide relief from chronic pain, sleep disturbances, and anxiety or depression symptoms [1]. While some potential risks and side effects are associated with cannabis use, other patients have found it a safe and effective treatment option.
How medicinal cannabis works
Before diving into the pros and cons of using medicinal cannabis, it’s helpful to understand how cannabis works in the body.
The human body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that regulates various physiological processes, including pain, mood, appetite, and sleep. The ECS consists of a network of receptors and enzymes that interact with endocannabinoids, which are naturally occurring compounds in the body that are similar to the cannabinoids found in cannabis.
When cannabis is consumed, the THC and CBD in the plant interact with the ECS in the body. THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body, producing various effects, including pain relief, relaxation, and altered perception. Conversely, CBD does not bind to cannabinoid receptors but instead interacts with other body receptors involved in inflammation, pain, and mood regulation.
Potential benefits of medical cannabis for neuropathic pain
Studies have shown that medicinal cannabis can be an effective treatment for neuropathic pain [11]. In one study, patients with neuropathic pain who were treated with cannabis experienced a significant reduction in pain compared to those who received a placebo.
The Journal of Pain published a meta-analysis of individual patient data, which found that inhaled cannabis can significantly reduce neuropathic pain in patients with chronic pain, with no serious adverse effects [12].
Studies have also been conducted focusing on treating specific types of pain caused by infections. A randomised, crossover clinical trial found that smoked cannabis significantly reduced neuropathic pain in patients with HIV-associated sensory neuropathy [13].
Other potential benefits of medicinal cannabis for neuropathic pain include improved sleep, reduced anxiety and depression, and a decrease in the use of other medications that can have harmful side effects.
Although theses studies have shown potentially promising results for patients with neuropathic pain, it’s important to understand that there are possible risks, as outlined below.
*The above studies highlight the potential benefits of medicinal cannabis, but do have some limitations that need to be considered. These limitations may include: a relatively small sample size, use of self-reported data rather than objective measures, and not measuring the long-term effects of cannabis use or exploring the different strains/types of cannabis used, which may have an impact on the observed effects.
Potential side effects
Like any medication, medicinal cannabis can have side effects. While medicinal cannabis may benefit some patients, it is vital to understand the potential risks and side effects. Common side effects of cannabis use include dry mouth, dizziness, and increased heart rate. Some people may also experience anxiety or paranoia. It is also important to note that medicinal cannabis can interact with other medications, so it is essential to talk to your doctor before using cannabis.
Finding the right dose
When using medicinal cannabis, finding the correct dose that provides maximum benefits with minimal side effects is essential. Everyone’s tolerance and sensitivity to cannabis are different, so finding the right dose may take some trial and error.
Working with a healthcare provider who specialises in medicinal cannabis can be helpful in finding the correct dose and product for your specific needs.
The legal status of medicinal cannabis in Australia
In Australia, the use of medicinal cannabis is legal under certain circumstances. In 2021, the Australian government amended its Narcotics Drugs Act to allow for the cultivation and manufacture of medicinal cannabis products for therapeutic use [1].
To access medicinal cannabis in Australia, patients must have a valid prescription from a healthcare provider and obtain their medication from a licensed medicinal supplier. Medicinal cannabis is unavailable over the counter and cannot be legally grown or produced by patients for personal use.
While the legal framework for medicinal cannabis in Australia is still relatively new, there is growing awareness of its therapeutic potential for various medical conditions, including fibromyalgia.
Learn more with cantro.health
If you’re living with neuropathic pain, medicinal cannabis may provide a promising treatment option.
It’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine if cannabis is a suitable treatment option for you. While more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and potential side effects, many patients have found relief and improved quality of life with medicinal cannabis.
Other medical conditions
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
Arthritis
Arthritis
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
Migraines and Headaches
Migraines and Headaches
Other medical conditions
More information
Looking for more information about medicinal cannabis treatments?
Click here to discover our full list of medical conditions
Stay informed every step of
the way
By curating reliable, unbiased and evidence-based facts, we’re creating a safe space to explore the latest news, insights and regulations on medical cannabis in Australia, helping you to make informed decisions.
Click here for the full reference list of citations, information and resources.