Could cannabis help with neuropathic pain?
6 min read
Emily Ledger
Neuropathic pain is a common type of pain that is caused by damage to the nervous system. It can be linked to various sources, including disease and injury; however, sufficient treatment can often be difficult to achieve. As medical cannabis becomes more widely available, a growing number of patients may wonder whether it could be an effective alternative or add-on therapy to conventional treatments for neuropathic pain.
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What is neuropathic pain?
Neuropathic pain - also known as nerve pain or neuralgia - occurs when there is damage to the nervous system. This damage can be the result of several things, including disease, injury, infection, and substance abuse. Some diseases and conditions associated with neuropathic pain include:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): A chronic disease in which the immune system attacks healthy cells in the central nervous system.
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS): A complex condition that causes severe and long-lasting pain and inflammation.
- Parkinson’s disease: A neurodegenerative condition that affects the nervous system affecting movement, balance, and coordination.
- Strokes: Central post-stroke pain (CPSP) occurs as a result of a stroke, a medical emergency in which blood stops flowing to part of the brain.
Some medicinal treatments, such as chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy can also be associated with the development of neuropathic pain.
Treating neuropathic pain
Depending on the source, neuropathic pain treatment can include a range of therapies, including medication and physical therapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline hydrochloride are often used to manage neuropathic pain. This medication works by increasing serotonin levels and, in turn, reducing pain signals to the brain. In some cases, patients may be prescribed other medications, including anticonvulsants, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and opioids. While these medications can be effective in managing neuropathic pain, they can also be associated with undesirable side effects.
As a result, some patients and clinicians may be interested in alternative treatments for neuropathic pain, including medical cannabis.
Medical cannabis and neuropathic pain
There is evidence that cannabis has been used as a form of pain relief for thousands of years. In more recent times, cannabis-based medicines such as those available through prescription in the UK are becoming increasingly popular among patients with various kinds of pain looking for more effective relief. And neuropathic pain is no exception.
So, let’s take a closer look at the evidence for treating neuropathic pain with medical cannabis in different settings.
Medical cannabis and multiple sclerosis pain
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder that affects around 2.8 million people worldwide. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to a disruption of nerve signals and causing a number of symptoms, including neuropathic pain, that can significantly reduce quality of life.
There is no cure for MS. Treatments instead focus on slowing the progression of the disease and managing symptoms. This includes the use of analgesics for pain management. Several studies have indicated that medical cannabis may be beneficial for MS-related pain. A recent review found that nabiximols (an oromucosal spray containing a 1:1 ratio of THC and CBD) demonstrated good effects on pain and other MS-related symptoms in the majority of trials.
In some cases, patients can receive a medical cannabis prescription for neuropathic pain and other symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis when first-line treatments have failed to achieve adequate relief.
Medical cannabis and complex regional pain syndrome
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a condition that causes severe and long-lasting pain. It is most often triggered by illness or injury; however, the pain experienced is disproportionate to said injury and persists after the affected has healed. CRPS is a relatively rare condition that is thought to affect no more than five in 100,000 people. Nonetheless, the complex nature of the condition highlights the need for effective management methods.
Several randomised controlled trials evaluating the use of cannabinoids for pain relief have included participants with CRPS. In one study focused on neuropathic pain, 22 out of 38 participants had a CRPS diagnosis. The results showed that patients experienced significant pain relief after inhaling THC flower. Specialist doctors in the UK can now prescribe medicinal cannabis for neuropathic pain associated with CRPS.
Medical cannabis and Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that affects around 153,000 people in the UK. It occurs when nerve cells that produce dopamine in the brain stop working, resulting in a wide range of symptoms, including tremors, muscle stiffness, and pain.
Some studies indicate that cannabinoids may help regulate dopamine production, making cannabis-based medicines potentially useful in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. However, clinical trials into this potential are currently limited. Nonetheless, preliminary findings are promising.
A 2020 survey of German patients with Parkinson’s disease found that 40% of respondents who used cannabis to manage their condition reported a reduction in muscle cramps and pain. While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between cannabinoids and Parkinson’s disease, cannabis-based medicines may be considered when other treatments are insufficient in managing symptoms.
Final thoughts from Dr Michal Modestowicz
As cannabis-based medicines become more widely available, a growing number of patients may be interested in the potential of medicinal cannabis for neuropathic pain. There is growing evidence to indicate that medical cannabis may be helpful in the treatment of various conditions associated with this type of pain, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and complex regional pain syndrome.
We spoke to Releaf’s Neurologist, Dr Michal Modestowicz, to find out more. Dr Modestowicz said:
“Neuropathic pain is a complex and debilitating condition that can arise from a wide range of causes, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, chemotherapy, and injury. Over the course of my career, I have seen the profound impact this type of pain can have on patients, as well as the limitations of conventional treatments in managing it effectively.
Medical cannabis has become an important treatment option for many patients with neuropathic pain, offering a mechanism of action distinct from traditional therapies. By interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, medical cannabis directly influences pain perception and helps regulate the body’s response to chronic pain. For many patients, this isn’t just an addition to their treatment plan—it represents a transformative option that can improve quality of life when other approaches have fallen short.”
If you’d like to learn more about neuropathic pain medical cannabis treatment, speak with one of our specialist doctors today.
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Emily, an accomplished content writer with a specialisation in cannabis and alternative health, leverages her five years in the sector to enhance education and diminish stigma around medicinal cannabis use.
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