Chronic pain is common, but cannabis can help

Chronic pain is more common than depression, diabetes and others.

Chronic pain is common, but cannabis can help. A recent study found that chronic pain is as common or even more common than diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, and others. The comprehensive study found 52 new cases of chronic pain per 1,000 people. That's more than the rate for high blood pressure (45 new cases per 1,000) and far more than the rate of new cases of depression and diabetes.

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Over 50 million Americans and Canadians suffer from chronic pain. The study found that people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for chronic pain. However, about 10% of adults who reported chronic pain in 2019 reported being pain-free in 2020.

Chronic pain is pain that lasts for more than three months. The pain may be constant or come and go. It interferes with everyday activities such as work, basic functions such as dressing or cooking, and your social life. It can lead to depression, anxiety, and sleep problems, which can make the pain worse.

The most common chronic pains include:

• Arthritis or joint pain.
• Back pain.
• Neck pain.
• Cancer pain near a tumor.
• Headaches, including migraines.
• Testicular pain (orchialgia).
• Persistent pain in scar tissue.
• Muscle pain throughout the body (e.g. in fibromyalgia).

Cannabis' effects rely on the peripheral nerves that sense pain and have plenty of receptors for cannabinoids. Cannabinoids can block pain in peripheral nerves when given in the right doses. And basic studies suggest that opiates and cannabinoids suppress pain through different mechanisms. This means that cannabis, which is not nearly as addictive as opiates, may be a safer alternative.

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For those suffering from chronic pain, it is important to speak with their doctor. Cannabis can be a less addictive alternative when taken in the right amount and frequency. Microdosing has become common to treat anxiety and could be a solution for pain. Approximately 10% of people recover from chronic pain, so it is important to find a solid path to a functional life.