Head, shoulders, knees, and toes – your nervous system is everywhere. While your brain and spinal cord are essentially the control center, your peripheral nervous system extends out to every part of your body. These peripheral nerves help control your muscles and send information back to the brain so that we know what things feel like and where parts of our body are in relation to each other.
Estimates show that more than 20 million people in the United States suffer from peripheral neuropathy. This is a condition where nerves are irritated or damaged, and can cause sensations like pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in various parts of the body. Neuropathy can be hereditary or acquired through external factors like excessive drugs, alcohol, or sugar, infections, or even some medical treatments like chemotherapy.
But there may be effective treatment for the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, beyond the use of traditional pharmaceuticals. Numerous studies have shown that cannabis may be effective in treating neuropathic pain. In a recent webinar, Marc Matoza of Marijuana Med Today discussed the amazing potential in cannabis for neuropathy. Let’s take a look!
The Sensory Dispensary: Our Body’s Natural Cannabinoids
Our bodies stay balanced due to our endocannabinoid system. This network of receptors and triggers work together to regulate our body temperature, hunger, fatigue, anxiety, and just about every other system in the body. The cannabis plant produces phytocannabinoids, which are nearly identical to the endocannabinoids produced by our body. Compounds like THC and CBD activate the very same receptors in the body and may help regulate those systems when our bodies are out of sync.
Hacking the System: Cannabis Neuropathy Relief
CBD and THC activate multiple receptors in the body which are linked to various systems. Research suggests this could benefit and help regulate our body’s management of:
- Serotonin (digestive process, blood flow, and breathing)
- Inflammation and circulation
- Body temperature
- Pain
- Blood pressure
But these cannabinoids are just two elements of cannabis that work for pain. Terpenes are compounds that are found on every plant on Earth. They give a distinct aroma and flavor, but they also provide the real power behind the healing properties of cannabis. When CBD and THC activate the body’s receptors, new research suggests that terpenes then apply their unique abilities. Let’s look at a few key terpenes for neuropathy pain and relief:
Linalool: A terpene with a gently spiced, floral profile, research has shown that linalool may reduce the excitability of the spinal cord cells that transmit pain signals to the brain. This could benefit patients with insomnia, stress, body aches, or convulsions.
Caryophyllene: A spiced, peppery flavor, this terpene could alleviate muscle spasms, pain, and gastrointestinal inflammation. Patients with GI issues and muscular pain could benefit. This terpene is also considered antifungal.
Pinene: The clean, fresh, scent of pinene can be a mood enhancer, but it may also help patients with inflammation issues. Pinene is thought to have antioxidant and neuroprotective properties as well, so neuropathy relief could be found here.
When CBD, THC, and terpenes work together, they provide what’s known as the entourage effect. More than just combining their beneficial properties, they actually enhance each other’s abilities.
Maintain Without Pain: Cannabis Products for Neuropathy Relief
The entourage effect is at its most beneficial when cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds are balanced in a way that focuses on the treatment you are seeking. It’s best to consult your doctor or the staff at any one of our locations about products that could be right for you. Let’s look at some great cannabis products to start with and how they work.
Flower & Vapes
Inhalation is the most fast-acting administration for cannabis, with vape and flower effects typically lasting 2-6 hours. Check out these options for neuropathy relief:
Tinctures & Theragels
Oral cannabis supplements work quickly and have lasting effects without affecting your lungs.
Topicals
Topical products are applied directly to the pain area and do not affect the rest of the body. CBD creams and oils affect the superficial nerves under the skin to provide pain relief from neuropathy.
Stay Up to Date
A private consultation with a Surterra Wellness specialist can help you find the right cannabis products when you’re seeking relief from pain and neuropathy. Educating yourself is the best start, though, so check out the full webinar to learn more about cannabis for neuropathy and the future of pain treatment.
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