{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-question-tags-template-js","path":"/question-tag/pain/53","result":{"data":{"allQuestion":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Question_10604-markdown","title":"Is dabbing better for your lungs than smoking?","slug":"is-dabbing-better-for-your-lungs-than-smoking","content":"\" take marijuana for pain relief and sleeping, I'm 53, 6', 215 pounds. I exercise daily. Edibles don't help me and I'm concerned about the potential lung problems i may get from smoking. Is dabbing any safer, lung wise I mean?\"\n_____________________\nWhile you wait for an answer to your specific question about lung health, here is an article on our Health & Wellness blog that you might be interested in, and might provide some of the info:\n\nhttps://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/is-dabbing-good-for-you\n\nmark","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10603-markdown","title":"What products do I take if I want pain relief and help sleeping? Not interested in getting high.","slug":"what-products-do-i-take-if-i-want-pain-relief-and-help-sleeping-not-interested-in-getting-high","content":"\n_____________________\nWe suggest our BALANCE (hemp CBD) and BALANCE+ (whole plant CBD) vaporizers which patients have reported using for everything from rheumatoid arthritis, to cramps associated with Type 2 diabetes, to athletic injuries, as well as for sleep and stress aids. All of our products retail for between 40 and 60 throughout California and our BALANCE pen is available nationwide through our website at EvoxeLabs.com/Balance.\n\nmichaelkatz\n_____________________\nCannabis is a very diverse plant with numerous uses. Each strain possesses unique properties depending on the genetics of the plant (indica, sativa, hybrid, ruderalis), the way the plant is cultivated (indoor, outdoor, organic, hydro, flowering period) and how it is processed and utilized (dried naturally, hashish, edibles, tincture, decarboxylated or not). \nThe individual who is using the cannabis is also of importance. \nFor the most part, the \"high\" of cannabis is mostly derived from THC, and is modulted by the cannabinoids, terpinoids and other compounds. If you want to avoid psychoactivity then avoid THC. However, many individuals use indica (which has THC) and report that it does not make them feel \"high\", but instead gives relief from pain, anxiety, insomia, muscle spasm and other symptoms. \nIt really all depends on what you mean when you say \"high\", that term is different for everyone, and it is best to experiment with many types of cannabis and methods of ingestion. \nYou may also focus on CBD rich strains that have very low levels of THC.\n\nandrewvanmd\n_____________________\nUsually, the inability to sleep is due to stress and anxiety throughout the day the keeps the mind over active when you try to go to sleep so for optimum results, stress and anxiety must be addressed. I recommend high CBD/ low THC to be administered twice today for focus and clarity during the day but with anxiety and stress relief helping the brain relax at night. If a sativa is used (you are high with a Sativa) in the afternoon consider using high CBD cannabis night because a high CBD combined with the high THC of a sativa will act like an Indica for a better night sleep but if you're using an Indica right after a sativa, you are stimulating your brain yet your body is tired and you will not sleep well. If your back is hurting or any other muscles or joints, consider applying a high CBD topical balm to resolve the pain so you're able to sleep deeply. Keep in mind everyone has their own unique response to the medication so it's best to know how your body responds to THC as well as to CBD's.\n\ndrolson","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10602-markdown","title":"I am trying to understand if cannabis can be bad for the liver. And if the method of ingestion matters to the liver.","slug":"i-am-trying-to-understand-if-cannabis-can-be-bad-for-the-liver-and-if-the-method-of-ingestion-matters-to-the-liver","content":"\"I use cannabis for pain management but am also managing a chronic liver disease at the same time. Ironically of course, pharma drugs make things worse for the liver. I have been experimenting with methods of ingestion and sometimes feel like the liver does not love edibles.\"\n_____________________\nCannabis is not bad for the liver, and in fact has been shown to protect the liver from damage. However a few studies have shown that THC activation of the CB1 receptor can increase fibrosis and other pathological processes, and that CB2 receptor activation has a protective effect. I might not reccomend edibles in your condition, and would instead go with tinctures with a high level of CBD. I would try to find the most pure, chemical and additive free cannabis products, and continue to monitor your reaction to varying ratios of CBD:THC and unique strains.\n\nandrewvanmd\n_____________________\nI discourage the use of edibles when you have known liver disease because anything that goes into the stomach will immediately be picked up by the liver to start processing the medication out of the body. For the best results you want to increase the amount of time the cannabis is in your body before it's picked up by the liver. Western pharmaceutical drugs tend to be stressful to the point of being harmful to the liver and that includes acetaminophen and most of the pain medicines do contain acetaminophen. Alcohol and to much protein also have the potential to harm the liver in cases of liver disease. If you have liver disease consider doing high CBD cannabis as well as silymarin, the active ingredients in the herb milk thistle and the only substance known to reverse liver disease, to start reversing your liver disease. If you are eating substances that are harmful to you, recognized this and change your ways since you have the option of creating health by being responsible. Using high CBD will calm anxiety and inflammatory disease in your body so I do recommend taking high CBD cannabis in a nonalcoholic tincture twice daily.\n\ndrolson","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10601-markdown","title":"I have a shingles outbreak, i'm willing to try almost anything to control the pain, including marijuana.","slug":"i-have-a-shingles-outbreak-im-willing-to-try-almost-anything-to-control-the-pain-including-marijuana","content":"\"I'm dealing with my first shingles outbreak, and it's on my face. I'm 51 years old. My doctor prescrived Valtrex and a numbing cream to apply to my face. The pain is unlike anything I've ever experience and ibuprofen does not cut it. What's the fastest way I can get some relief with marijuana?\"\n_____________________\nThe fastest relieve will likely come from topical application or inhaling high CBD type products. You may have to apply the topical several times per day. Inhaled cannabis is only active for 2-3 hours but is good for fast treatment.\n\nSublingual (under the tongue delivery) of concentrates, elixirs, or tinctures may be a better choice as it comes on almost as fast but lasts between 4-6 hours. \n\ndrgerhart\n_____________________\nSince the amino acid arginine encourages the breakout when it is out of balance with your internal lysine level, I usually put my patients on up to 6 g of lysine per day for a 1 to 2 days to start driving the herpes into remission and from there you can rapidly decrease the lysine but as Dr. Gerhart says, the high CBD products are excellent for reducing your pain. Putting the disease into remission is what ultimately stops the pain.\n\ndrolson","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10598-markdown","title":"What are some suggestions for outside pain management?","slug":"what-are-some-suggestions-for-outside-pain-management","content":"\"I am using the transdermal for outside pain and it works great. The spray CBD, not so much. Suggestions? I am enjoying a bout of pneumonia now and my vapor is not an option.\"\n_____________________\nWhat kind of pain are you treating? If you are unable to inhale cannabis because of your pneumonia, I would suggest a sublingual tincture. You can find them with variable amounts of CBD and THC. You may also want to try other topical ointments and creams. \n\nandrewvanmd","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10597-markdown","title":"I am looking for a way to address my pain without taking pain meds that irritate my stomach.","slug":"i-am-looking-for-a-way-to-address-my-pain-without-taking-pain-meds-that-irritate-my-stomach","content":"\"I’m 72 years old, physically active, fit for my age and am generally in good health however I suffer from neuropathy in my feet which can be quite painful at times. I also have a hip replacement that can be very uncomfortable especially in cold damp weather. \nI am looking for a way to address this pain without taking pain meds that irritate my stomach.  I am very interested in trying Cannabis as a way to improve my quality of life and stop using over the counter pain and anti-inflamitories that irritate my stomach. Please advise as to which Cannabis product my help my situation. \"\n_____________________\nCannabis preparations that are higher in CBD are generally better tolerated in your age group. CBD (Cannabidiol) is a potent anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and pain reliever. THC has anti-inflammatory and pain relieving benefit as well. Focus on the ratio of CBD to THC in the product. \nThe higher the CBD ratio to THC, the less likely you will have unwanted psychogenic stimulation, but still benefit from the other medicinal actions of the cannabinoids. \n\nI recommend you find well labeled products that have at least a 1:1 CBD to THC ratio.\nIf you feel that you are still sensitive to the effects of the THC, move up to a 2:1 ratio, or 4:1.\n\nI encourage you to keep a journal of self treatment so you can determine the dose, ratio and frequency that provides you the most benefit without undesirable side effects.\n\nCBD has been shone to relieve pain and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and has been shone to be protective against chemotherapy induced neuropathy if used during cancer treatment.\n\nTopical products may be helpful for your hands and feet as well.\n\nAn additional benefit of CBD and cannabis products is that they are generally beneficial to gastrointestinal issues. In general they do not cause the stomach distress that is seen with pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories. They do not increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding either. \n\n\n\n\n\ndrgerhart","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10591-markdown","title":"I just had hip replacement surgery. Is it ok to take cannabis along with prescription pain meds like Percocet?","slug":"i-just-had-hip-replacement-surgery-is-it-ok-to-take-cannabis-along-with-prescription-pain-meds-like-percocet","content":"\"I don't want to overdose or anything, but I really don't want to get addicted to the pain meds as I heard this could happen.\"\n_____________________\nYes it is. We are finding that more and more people are either replacing their opioids with cannabis or at the least, using cannabis to decrease your use of them One study has shown that people using both decreased their opioid use by 25%.\n\nSince Percocet only works for 3-4  hours you might want to add a high CBD to low THC ration cannabis product to when the pain begins to start again of an indica strain. A 20:1 ratio product as a tincture or vape pen might be what you could use to decrease your dependance on opioids. The main thing to remember is to start with a low dose and slowly increase as you need to until you get to your desired effect. \n\nPerry Solomon, MD","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10584-markdown","title":"I developed tendinitis (golfers elbow) from doing Crossfit. Nothing seems to help.","slug":"i-developed-tendinitis-golfers-elbow-from-doing-crossfit-nothing-seems-to-help","content":"\"I have already had two cortisone injections. The pain wakes me up at night, and I can't do any grippy workout exercises anymore.  I am looking for something to help with pain and sleep. Would you recommend a topical or is there something I can take internally that would take away the pain, but not make me high so that I cant work out. I don't want to feel drugged up.\"\n_____________________\nI would recommend trying a topical CBD salve, balm, cream or lotion applied directly on the skin over your elbow. There is no high associated with CBD topicals. You could also try a time release patch. They release active product over 3-6 hours. Another option would be a 20:1 CBD:THC tincture on or under the tongue and these can provide 3-5 hours relief. If your pain is preventing sleep, I might introduce a different product such as a 1:1 CBD:THC tincture which would help with night time pain relief and sleep enhancement.\n\nRemember THC is the psychoactive part of the plant that makes you high. CBD is not psychoactive but is anti-inflammatory and analgesic.\n\n\ndrbluto","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10583-markdown","title":"Friends have told me that marijuana can help me with chronic pain. Isn't it a 'gateway drug' though? ","slug":"friends-have-told-me-that-marijuana-can-help-me-with-chronic-pain-isnt-it-a-gateway-drug-though","content":"\"I've been taking pharmaceuticals for pain for years but want to stop as the negative side effect are too much for me now. I'd like to try pot but I'm concerned that it may lead to other things. Even though it is legal in my state, I am a little concerned about how it may effect me or what may happen.\"\n_____________________\nIn a recent blog post on our Health & Wellness blog, Pamela Hadfield discussed whether marijuana is a gateway drug.\n\n\"A recent article in Newsweek elaborates on findings that conclude that marijuana is NOT a gateway drug. However, new evidence supports that alcohol IS a gateway drug. “The common government stance within the US is that alcohol is a gateway drug. This means that a user first starts drinking and then moves on to harder substances, such as cannabis and heroin, later on in life.” We grew up being told a very different story than this, so mentally it is hard for many people to absorb this new finding.”\n\nhttps://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5716bfd5e1d0c0000c000013/why-moms-should-support-marijuana-legalization\n\nAnd yes, marijuana can help you with chronic pain. Everyone is different.\n\nmark","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10576-markdown","title":"What can you recommend for arthritis?","slug":"what-can-you-recommend-for-arthritis","content":"\"I hear that marijuana can be effective. Do I have to worry about getting high? \"\n_____________________\nGeneral consensus is that cannabis use can result in dependence in approximately 8-10% of users which is lower than most other substances, however, symptoms of withdrawal from cannabis use tend to be much less upsetting to the system than other habit forming substances. \n\nUsing cannabis for treatment of arthritis is not likely to result in \"addiction\" and cannabis can be used as needed for symptomatic relief. \n\nHere are two articles that address the issues specific to your question. You may have to decide if cannabis is right for you based on you responses to other substances, and whether or not you have a history of additive behaviors. There needs to be more longitudinal study of this issue, but cannabis addiction in adults who use it for symptomatic management on an as needed basis is not generally concerning. \n\nHasin DS, Saha TD, Kerridge BT, et al. Prevalence of Marijuana Use Disorders in the United States Between 2001-2002 and 2012-2013. JAMA Psychiatry. 2015;72(12):1235-1242. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2015.1858.\n\nWinters KC, Lee C-YS. Likelihood of developing an alcohol and cannabis use disorder during youth: Association with recent use and age. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2008;92(1-3):239-247. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2007.08.005.\n\n\n\n\n\ndrgerhart\n_____________________\nIbuprofen can be helpful for decreasing joint inflammation and pain due to arthritis, but it is important that you follow the dosing on the label and take with food to prevent damage to your gastrointestinal system.  \n\nCannabis is also an analgesic and has anti-inflammatory properties. In particular, patient have found that products high in CBD can be effective for treating a variety of different types of chronic pain, including pain associated with arthritis.  Strains or products with a high CBD / THC ratio may be somewhat sedating but typically lack the psychoactive effects of THC, such as the \"high\" or \"stoned\" effect.  \n\nFurthermore, many patients with arthritis have found that topical cannabis, in the form of salves or lotions, are helpful for treating local / joint pain and inflammation.  One benefit of this approach is that very little, if any, of the medicine gets into the blood stream, so there is no psychoactive effect whatsoever. Topicals, therefore can be applied anytime of day without limiting your cognitive functioning. \n\nHope that helps!\n\ndredmunds\n_____________________\nArthritic joint pain  can be effectively treated with topical cannabis salves massaged into the effective area or by using cannabis tincture or flower. A variety with a 1:1 ratio of THC: CBD will give maximum anti-inflammatory and analgesic action.\n\ndrfrye\n_____________________\nArthritis means you have inflammation in your joints.  I would recommended 3 products used simultaneously if needed: (1) CBD:THC ratio of 20:1 tincture used under the tongue twice a day. It will take 2-3 weeks before you have the full effect, as it takes time to decrease inflammation.  You have to be patient and keep taking this ratio every day, the longer you take it the better you will feel. Increase the dose as you see fit, but you may build tolerance every 3 weeks and need to increase it. In the mean time, while your waiting for the full effect, I would use a CBD:THC ratio of 1:1 as needed and a CBD topical cream.\n\ndrb\n_____________________\nPlease keep in mind that cannabis can work well for some people and a different formulation of cannabis will work well for others so you must always evaluate how the cannabis is working for you as an individual.\nGenerally, for arthritic pain I recommend the topical cannabis salve in a CBD: THC of 2:1, applied topically on the arthritic joint but also the corresponding area of the spine to block the pain signals but in addition I think it's wise to consider taking a nonalcoholic CBD tincture especially at bedtime but the dose would be dependent upon your response. With hi CBD and low THC you should not experiencing any psychoactive effect but if you actually would like a psychoactive effect you can try going up on the THC level.\nAlso, keep in mind that most people are vitamin D deficient and supplementing with \nvitamin D3 maybe indicated to get your body out of pain but this needs to be followed with your physician.\nYou can resolve the pain of arthritis using cannabis but it will take a little bit of experimenting on your part.\n\ndrolson\n_____________________\nI think all the recommendations here have been excellent for arthritis treatment so I'll just add some thoughts of my own.  I am a huge fan of topical salves like most of the other MD's answering this question.  There are two products I particularly like:  Arni-Cann, which also has arnica gel, a favorite in my practice. I'm also a huge fan of cannabis-infused epsom bath salts for soaking extremities (or the whole body).  I have been recommending epsom salt soaks for many years now for my pain management and sports medicine/physiatry patients.  If you have health insurance, I also recommend asking for a physical therapy referral or referral for other modalities like acupuncture, etc   There is also a fair amount of literature supporting the use of omega-3 supplements as an adjunct for fighting inflammation.  Keep those joints moving!\n\ndrpark\n_____________________\nIt is always useful to have some idea of the kind of arthritis the patient has.  For osteoarthritis, the wear and tear kind that accumulates with age or develops following injury, cannabis can be helpful in reducing the discomfort of chronically painful joints.  The “entourage effect” is often cited as important in reducing pain, and refers to using preparations involving all the cannabinoids and other constituents of cannabis, so called “whole plant” preparations, as the interaction or cumulative effect seems to be associated with better pain relief.  Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune inflammatory conditions have also reported benefit in using cannabis preparations high in CBD, which may have particular activity in both the immune system and the inflammatory cascade to help reduce the level of inflammation, as well as lessening discomfort.  As CBD is generally without psychoactivity patients can often use high-CBD, low THC preparations while functioning at work and in other situations where focus and attention are required.\n\ndrelkind\n_____________________\nYes, CBD cannabis has the potential to completely get rid of your arthritic pain.I encourage you to consider vaporizing a high CBD, like AC/DC,As well as applying for CBD dominant topical salve at least three times a day or more frequently on the arthritic joint as well as the corresponding area of the spine and at night before you go to bed you may want CBD tincture or THCa as a strong anti-inflammatory. Please, eliminate cow dairy and cow dairy products since they are so inflammatory and greens are a better source of calcium as well as other minerals. If you treat your arthritic pain frequently and aggressively with CBD's you should be out of pain or at least the pain will be greatly reduced within a week but you may also need additional Vitamin D3 for your bones.\n\ndrolson\n_____________________\nif your mother has tried other modalities with  no improvement then MM may be an option. It will depend on her medical history. There are different modalities that can be tried such as- oil/vape/pill.\n\ndrpersaud","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10574-markdown","title":"I am scheduled for surgery on my jaw next week. I am looking for alternative pain meds. ","slug":"i-am-scheduled-for-surgery-on-my-jaw-next-week-i-am-looking-for-alternative-pain-meds","content":"\"My jaw will be wired shut for several weeks, and I don't want to get addicted to opiates. I heard cannabis might be a good alternative. I am also concerned about getting nauseous, because my jaw will be wired. What do you recommend I try? \"\n_____________________\nTopical cannabinoids may be a viable option for your pain control. These are applied to the skin and do not affect central receptors so they have the added advantage of having only minimal if any psychoactive effects.\n\nAnother option would be cannabis time release patches. These release ingredients gradually over 3-6hrs.\n\nTinctures are glycerin or alcohol extracted cannabinoids & terpinoids, usually in small bottles with a dropper that are absorbed via the oral mucosa. While typically placed on or under the tongue, you may be able to utilize them by placing them in between your gums and cheek mucosa. They are fairly fast acting, 15-45 minutes and can last anywhere from 2-5 hours. Typical tincture dosage is 3-4x/day for 24hr effect. Concentrations vary but typically range from 3-34mg/ml. There are also sublingual, dissolving strips (much like Listerine strips) that you could also possibly use inside the cheek at the gum line.\n\nInhalation may also still work for you. For inhalation, I would recommend vaporizing. This method heats the cannabis to below its combustion point, releasing cannabinoids and terpinoids without any smoke being produced. Onset is typically around 5-10 minutes and the effects can last between 2-4 hours.\n\nCBD, the non-psychoactive part of the cannabis plant is useful in treating pain and inflammation but in studies, CBD alone without any THC may not be as effective for pain. I tend to stick to high CBD, low THC products to treat pain. \n\nHope your surgery goes well and that this is useful information for you.\n\n\ndrbluto","image":null}},{"node":{"id":"Question_10564-markdown","title":"Should I be drinking more water than usual if I'm using marijuana regularly?","slug":"should-i-be-drinking-more-water-than-usual-if-im-using-marijuana-regularly","content":"\"I use marijuana for back pain, but I have also read that dehydration can also cause back pain. I was wondering if you need to drink more water than normal if you are using cannabis?\"\n_____________________\nThis is a 2 part question. Yes dehydration can cause back pain. The vertebrae in the back are cushioned by a disc that is filled with a gelatinous substance that is composed mainly of water Over time this water get pushed out and needs to be replaced. Drinking an adequate amount of water helps to restore the shape of the disc and prevent the discs from going out of alignment and causing back pain.\n\nThe dry mouth that you get when using cannabis in any form is possibly caused this way. Since the salivary gland have both CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors and since cannabis contains them, it can inhibit the production of saliva. So drinking water while using cannabis can help to prevent \"cottonmouth\".\n\nPerry Solomon, MD","image":null}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":624,"numPages":54,"currentPage":53,"id":5599,"name":"Pain","slug":"pain","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}