A preliminary study evaluating self-reported effects of cannabis and cannabinoids on neuropathic pain and pain medication use in people with spinal cord injury

Front. Pain Res., 2023 · DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1297223 · Published: December 21, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Pharmacology Pain Management

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how cannabis and cannabinoid products affect neuropathic pain in people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Neuropathic pain, a common issue after SCI, is often hard to treat with regular medications. The study also looks at whether people are using cannabis instead of their prescribed pain medications. Researchers surveyed 227 individuals with SCI-related neuropathic pain about their experiences with cannabis and cannabinoids. The survey asked about pain levels, medication use, and the effects of cannabis on their pain and overall well-being. The results suggest that cannabis and cannabinoids may help reduce neuropathic pain and decrease the need for traditional pain medications in people with SCI. Participants reported reduced pain intensity and improved ability to cope with their pain symptoms.

Study Duration

6 weeks

Participants

N = 227 individuals with spinal cord injury and neuropathic pain

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
87.9% of participants reported that cannabis reduced their neuropathic pain intensity by more than 30%.
2
92.3% reported that cannabis helped them to better deal with their neuropathic pain symptoms.
3
83.3% of participants reported substituting their pain medications with cannabis, most commonly opioids, gabapentinoids, and over-the-counter pain medications.

Research Summary

This study explored the self-reported effects of cannabis and cannabinoids on neuropathic pain and pain medication use in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The findings suggest that cannabis and cannabinoids may be effective in reducing neuropathic pain and limiting the need for certain pain medications in this population. Most participants reported a reduction in pain intensity, improved ability to deal with pain, and substitution of pain medications with cannabis, particularly opioids and gabapentinoids.

Practical Implications

Potential Therapeutic Strategy

Cannabis and cannabinoids may offer a valuable therapeutic strategy for managing neuropathic pain in individuals with SCI.

Reduced Reliance on Traditional Medications

The study suggests that cannabis could potentially reduce the reliance on traditional pain medications, especially opioids, which carry risks of dependence and adverse effects.

Improved Quality of Life

By alleviating neuropathic pain and associated symptoms, cannabis use may contribute to an improved quality of life for individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The study sample was primarily located in Florida, potentially limiting the generalizability of the findings to other regions.
2
The sample was predominantly non-Hispanic, male, and Caucasian, which may not accurately represent the entire SCI population.
3
The study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to recall bias and potential overestimation of the positive effects of cannabis.

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