Perhaps one of the most common disorders that almost 96% of the population on the planet is going to experience at least once in their lifetime. Yes, we are talking about headaches. There are more than 150 types of headaches, and most of them have varying symptoms. However, only a few are quite common and recurring for the general public. But let’s talk about the question we all are thinking about at the moment, can medical marijuana help with headache symptoms?

Prominent causes and symptoms of headaches

Headaches can be described as specific pains that are caused due to mixed signals being received from either the brain, nerves, or nearby blood vessels. Environmental and psychological factors can also cause headaches.

But apart from these, lifestyle choices do extremely affect the span and recurrence of headaches. These lifestyle choices include,

• Alcohol consumption, especially red wine
• Periodic stress
• Sleeping problems or lack of sleep
• Poor posture or positioning
• Certain foods, including processed foods and meat that have a high ratio of nitrites
• Exercise and sexual activity
• Skipped meals and dehydration
• Hot baths or weather
• Bright lights
• High altitude
• Coughing

Also, the following are some prominent symptoms of headaches that mostly occur in the majority of people affected,

• Dizziness
• Pressure in the head
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sharp, stabbing, or throbbing head pain that is either widespread or localized
• Pain in the eyes

Headaches types and treatments

As mentioned earlier, there are more than 150 different types of headaches, but only a few of them have known causes. Let’s discuss three types of headaches that are quite common among the majority of the human population.

Tension headaches are super common but occur infrequently among people. This type of headache is characterized by a squeezing, dull pressure on either side of the brain which can even reach the middle in some cases. The headache has a mild to moderate pain level. The most common cause behind it includes fatigue, tension, or any disorder within the muscles or joints of the neck and jaw region.

Migraines are not as common as tension headaches and not many people have to face periodic migraine sessions, however, the pain associated with migraines is quite severe and can even have a long-lasting disabling effect. Migraines are characterized by a throbbing pain behind the eye and temple region which can progress back to the rear end of the brain.

Cluster headaches are also not very common but do have a very high pain level. Unlike migraines that tend to occur in women more than men, cluster headaches are two to three times more likely to occur in men.

As each of the mentioned headaches has its distinct pain features and cause of occurrence, the way these headaches are treated also differs. Tension headaches are more likely to be treated with an over-the-counter medicine like aspirin or in severe cases, the doctor can even prescribe a muscle relaxant.

The treatment of migraines on the other hand is quite prolonged and extensive. The pain associated with migraines is usually treated by NSAIDs or a combination drug like Excedrin. Triptans are also recommended by doctors if every other therapeutic option fails. People who have recurring migraine attacks usually take prophylactic medicines including beta blockers, antiepileptics, antidepressants, or even botox injections in severe cases to reduce the intensity and frequency of migraine attacks.

Cluster headaches are usually treated by following two approaches. The first is the immediate and effective relief from the pain attack which is usually achieved by oxygen therapy or a nasal spray of sumatriptan. The second approach involves medications that can aid in lowering the recurrence of cluster headaches.

Cannabinoids and headaches

The endocannabinoid system is the central part of the central nervous system (CNS) and the body. The complex signaling system is also responsible for maintaining body homeostasis, memory, mood, and even pain receptors. This makes cannabinoid-rich products such as CBD a great way of treating ECS disorders including certain types of headaches and their recurring symptoms.

Impact of cannabinoids on headaches

The Journal of Pain reported back in 2019 that using medical cannabis is an effective way of treating headaches, specifically migraines. Studies also revealed that patients reported a reduction of almost 50% in their migraine symptoms. Men have specifically experienced an increased effectiveness once medical cannabis was included in their treatment. This also nullifies the theory of an increase in headaches due to excessive use of cannabis.

The current literature was further reviewed in 2021 which concluded that the use of medical cannabis ‘was effective in decreasing daily analgesic intake, dependence, and level of pain intensity’. Many patients also showed a long-term improvement in their overall health and headache-associated symptoms.

To help you further understand the impact of cannabis on headaches, let's discuss the specific impact of cannabis on two of the most prominent symptoms associated with headaches.

Symptoms of Headaches: Chronic Pain

For patients who suffer from periodic headaches, management is the main focus of their treatment. In most cases, patients are prescribed some over-the-counter medicine for effective pain relief. These medications do aid with pain management for the time being, but the long-term side effects can’t be neglected.

On the other hand, the analgesic properties of medical cannabis allow active pain relief with no long-term side effects.

Symptoms of Headaches: Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are two headache-associated symptoms that are pretty common among patients who experience severe recurring headaches. Medical cannabis is known for its anti-emetic abilities and this is something that has been scientifically proven since the 1970’s. This makes medical cannabis a great remedy for handling symptoms like nausea and vomiting.

Final Note

Over the years, the role of medical cannabis in treating traditional medical disorders has expanded exponentially. The role of cannabis in the treatment of headaches is a clear example of this. Active pain relief, a blockade for recurring headaches, and considerable relief from the constant sensation of nausea and vomiting are some of the pros associated with using medical marijuana for headaches.

The post Medical Cannabis Treatment for Headaches & Migraines appeared first on Kif Doctors.

The overall vast effectiveness of medical cannabis in the treatment of various medical disorders still amazes us all. Recently, a well-researched link has been established between Plummer disease and the role of medical cannabis in treating the disorder.

Let’s take an extensive look at the disorder and find out exactly how medical cannabis is aiding the treatment.

What is Plummer Disease?

Plummer Disease is a disorder that affects the thyroid glands within the body. The disease leads to a condition called ‘hyperthyroidism’ which is marked by excessive production of thyroid hormone. Now, the thyroid as a hormone is naturally produced within the body. However, the accumulation of excessive amounts of thyroid can lead to life-threatening disorders.

If left untreated, Plummer disease can lead to the enlargement of thyroid glands in the neck region causing a visible ‘goiter’ lump to appear. If the goiter has one or more active nodules, it will become a Toxic Nodular Goiter (TCG).

Common Symptoms of Plummer Disease

Some of the most common symptoms associated with Plummer disease include,

• Muscle weakness
• Mood swings
• Difficulties sleeping
• Increased appetite
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• Weight loss
• Frequent bowel movements
• Tremors
• Fatigue
• Heat intolerance
• Irritability or nervousness

Apart from these, hyperthyroidism can lead to the following physical changes within the body. Remember, these changes may appear subtle in the beginning but can become violently progressive over time.

• Moist and smooth skin
• Enlarged thyroid gland with one or more soft, smooth, mobile nodules
• Breathing or speaking difficulties
• Brisk reflexes and movement
• Increased opening space between the eyelids
• Weakness of the proximal muscles
• Racing heartbeat

Cannabis and Hyperthyroidism

Cannabis is rich in cannabinoids of many sorts, however, the most important ones of these hundreds of cannabinoids are the CBD and the delta-9 THC. But why is that? Well, both CBD and delta-9 THC interact with the Endocannabinoid system of the body.

The ECS can influence a part of our brain called the pituitary gland. Now the pituitary gland, also known as the master gland manages the secretion of various hormones within the body. A 2018 study reveals that under the influence of cannabis, ECS signals the pituitary gland to stop the production of thyrotropin. This hormone signals the thyroid gland to produce its relevant hormones.

Can cannabis help with thyroid conditions?

Studies have so far revealed that cannabis has immunosuppressive effects which make it an ideal way of treating autoimmune thyroid disorders such as Graves disease. However, Plummer disease is not an autoimmune disorder. So does cannabis help in the treatment of Plummer disease?

We don’t have a definite answer yet as more research is needed to be done on this matter. Still, reducing the production of thyroid hormone can be a potential way of treating hyperthyroidism. Plus, cannabinoids are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Recommendations for Hyperthyroidism and Cannabis

Although it is quite clear that cannabis does have some potential positive impact on the symptoms of Plummer disease, there’s no clinical evidence that can justify this statement. The natural compounds present within cannabis are known to work more effectively when in collaboration with terpenes. This makes medical cannabis products quite beneficial for patients suffering from thyroid-related disorders.

Interestingly, researchers have indeed found some relation between cannabinoids and lower levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormones (TSH) within blood samples taken from affected patients. This provides evidence in support of cannabinoids affecting the pituitary gland directly to lower the THS secretion within the body.

Popular cannabis products to use for Plummer Disease

Today, the market is practically loaded with all sorts of cannabis products and strains that can be beneficial for you in more than one way. However, do remember that not all cannabis products are for everyone. That’s why, it is better to research a particular strain and discuss it with a medical professional before consuming it.

Plus, you can enjoy cannabis products in the form of tinctures, cannabis flowers, oils, topicals, edibles, and even vape cartridges. Do your due research and prefer a specific cannabis strain that will aid with both pain management and subside the prominent symptoms of Plummer disease.

Talking to your Provider

If you suspect that you might have thyroid-related problems, it is advisable to visit your doctor as early as possible. It may not seem like much in the beginning but thyroid-related problems can eventually lead to more serious conditions such as the development of osteoporosis, fertility problems, complications during pregnancy, vision damage, and development of irregular heartbeats or arrhythmia.

Final Note

Even though there is no concrete medical evidence yet that proves the effectiveness of cannabis for the treatment of Plummer disease, many patients claim that this remedy works, Plus, we have also discussed the potential scientific role cannabis plays in inhibiting the secretion of extra thyroid hormone, thus eventually preventing hyperthyroidism.

The post Medical Cannabis for Plummer Disease (Full Guide) appeared first on Kif Doctors.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of genetic medical conditions and if you have this syndrome you are eligible for a medical marijuana card. EDS is not the only qualifying condition for a cannabis card, you can get a medical marijuana card if you have other related disorders like chronic pain, sleeplessness, depression, and anxiety.

In EDS, the patients experience a group of conditions that affect the skin, joints, and other connective tissues in the body. Numerous EDS sufferers have crippling joint pain and inflammation, as well as pain from brittle skin and other connective tissues.

But the question arises here how cannabis can help in treating EDS? In this article, you will find the answer.

Cannabis and EDS

Cannabis activates the endocannabinoid system, which helps with several problems including EDS. The endocannabinoid system is made up of fatty neurotransmitters that are produced by the body and that can affect how hormones, neurotransmitters, and other bodily processes are regulated. Through CB1 and CB2 receptors, cannabis, and its cannabinoids can stimulate the endocannabinoid system. Although researchers are still learning about endocannabinoids, we are aware that these receptors allow us to control a variety of processes, including pain, inflammation, the immune system, and more.

Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the cannabinoids that people are most interested in researching when it comes to treating Ehlers-Danlos because they have the potential to enhance quality of life.

Managing EDS Symptoms with Cannabis

The following are some of the EDS symptoms which are experienced by most of the patients:

Sleep

Not getting enough sleep or having difficulty sleeping is one of the symptoms that EDS patients experience. According to some research, cannabis can help improve sleep in EDS patients by activating endocannabinoids such as anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) which are responsible for regulating sleep.

Pain

Many patients with EDS experience pain. This pain can be treated with both CBD and THC. Although THC has psychoactive effects, you can start with CBD only. In patients experiencing pain, cannabis proves to be an alternative treatment to opioids or other painkillers. Before trying anything, it is always advised to consult with your doctor.

Headaches

EDS patients often experience headaches and migraines which can be severe in some cases. For treating headaches and migraines, cannabis flowers and other products that contain a combination of THC and CBD can be used.

Mood Disorders

Patients with EDS can also experience anxiety or other related mood disorders due to their pain and chronic health conditions. Several researches prove that cannabis has some anti-anxiety properties which can treat several anxiety-related conditions.

Seizures

EDS can cause seizures which can be long lasting. Medical cannabis can treat seizures by activating the neurons or nerve cells in the body. Patients who are not getting results from medication can try medical cannabis to control their seizures.

Best Ways to Use Cannabis for EDS

Cannabis comes in a variety of forms and every form has different effects. For EDS, the patients can try topical cannabis products which can help manage pain in the joints and muscles. Patients can get temporary relief from pain by applying CBD cream or heated cannabis oil to areas of discomfort.

To treat EDS, patients can also use a potent sublingual tincture. Tincture proves to be a great option in providing relief from the pain. You just have to place it under the tongue and then swallow it, the tincture will deliver instant results.

Best Strains of Marijuana to Use for EDS

Cannabis comes in a different variety of strains, each having different characteristics. But the most common strains are Indica and Sativa:

1. Indica

Indica can provide a feeling of relaxation to patients who are experiencing a lack of sleep due to EDS.

2. Sativa

Sativa is thought to be more energizing and might give some people a euphoric high. Sativa can be used to treat the pain that comes with EDS.

3. Hybrid

To get the benefits of both, you can try a hybrid. Hybrid is the crossbreed of both sativa and indica and provides you with the characteristics of each.

If you are not sure about which strain to take, you can consult our healthcare provider who can help you in picking up the strain according to your requirements.

Conclusion

Cannabis has a great impact on the quality of life in EDS patients. It proves to be a great alternative in treating the group of conditions. If you are an EDS patient then you should try medical cannabis but before trying anything, proper knowledge is required and for that, you can consult our doctor.

The post Medical Cannabis for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (Full Guide) appeared first on Kif Doctors.