Utilization of medicinal cannabis for pain by individuals with spinal cord injury

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2019 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-019-0208-6 · Published: June 26, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Pharmacology Pain Management

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) use medicinal cannabis (MC) for pain and other symptoms. The researchers compared current, past, and never users of MC among individuals with SCI to understand their attitudes, beliefs, and experiences. The goal was to determine if MC is an effective and tolerable treatment option for managing SCI-related symptoms like pain, spasms, sleeplessness, and anxiety.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

353 individuals with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional multi-center study

Key Findings

1
Current and past MC users reported greater pain interference in daily life compared to never users.
2
A significant percentage of current and past users reported that MC offered “great relief” from symptoms such as pain, spasms, sleeplessness, and anxiety.
3
Participants indicated that MC is more effective and has fewer side effects than prescription medications for managing their conditions.

Research Summary

This study explored the utilization of medicinal cannabis (MC) among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) to manage pain and other symptoms. The research compared current, past, and never users of MC, revealing differences in their beliefs about cannabis and its perceived risks. The findings suggest that MC is considered effective and well-tolerated by many SCI patients for various symptoms, often preferred over prescription medications due to fewer side effects.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Clinicians should be aware of differing beliefs about medicinal cannabis among SCI patients and address their concerns.

Treatment Strategies

Medicinal cannabis can be considered as an effective treatment option for managing pain, spasms, sleeplessness and anxiety in SCI patients.

Future Research

Further clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of MC in treating chronic SCI-related symptoms.

Utilization of medicinal cannabis for pain by individuals with spinal cord injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Treatment Strategies

Future Research

Study Limitations

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Utilization of medicinal cannabis for pain by individuals with spinal cord injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Treatment Strategies

Future Research

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?