​What Is Chronic Pain?​
Chronic pain affects 1 in 5 US adults, and more than 3 in 5 adults 65 and older. It is defined as ongoing physical pain that typically lasts for more than six months. Chronic pain may or may not be debilitating, but the emotional and physical toll of always being in pain negatively impacts quality of life.

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Chronic Pain & Medical Marijuana

Studies are reasonably conclusive that medical marijuana is an effective, natural treatment for chronic pain, and it may help people reduce or even eliminate their prescription pain medications. 

 

This is a particularly meaningful development for the millions of Virginia residents who are still using NSAIDS and opioids to manage their pain, because the addiction and health risks are far lower than is the case with opioids.

 

Virginia Marijuana Card is here to help you develop a treatment plan that works for you! Give us a call at (888) 633-5808, or make an appointment to talk to one of our compassionate marijuana doctors today!

What Causes Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain has a long list of causes. To be diagnosed with chronic pain, you generally have to experience persistent bouts of pain for at least six months. This pain can be anywhere in the body, and it is often a result of inflammation or something dysfunctional within the nervous system.

 

Types of Chronic Pain

This is not an exhaustive list, but these are the most common types of chronic pain:

• headache

• postsurgical pain

• post-trauma pain

• lower back pain

• cancer pain

• arthritis pain

• neurogenic pain (pain caused by nerve damage)

• psychogenic pain (pain that isn’t caused by disease, injury, or nerve damage)

 

Common Conditions Related to Chronic Pain

In addition to this list of conditions that are known to cause chronic pain, injuries, traumas, and surgeries are also commonly associated with long lasting pain that needs to be managed. This is not an exhaustive list, but it includes some of the most well-known conditions.

 

• Cancer

• Chronic fatigue syndrome

• Fibromyalgia

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• TMJ

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

• Arthritis 

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

• Osteoarthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Depression/anxiety

 

Using Medical Marijuana for Chronic Pain

A recent study found that among 1000 individuals who used marijuana for pain, 80 percent experienced tremendous relief. As many as 82 percent of the individuals were able to reduce the use of over-the-counter pain medications, and 88 percent stopped treatment with opioids.

Using medical marijuana is becoming increasingly popular among US adults, and residents of Virginia have the opportunity to find the natural relief they deserve.

 

Opioids are highly addictive, and opioid addiction is one of the most prevalent issues we face as a nation today. NSAIDS are safer than opioids because they are not as addictive, and they are not as easy to overdose on. 

 

However, they may lead to higher risk of heart attack and stroke, and increased liver and kidney damage. Many people who take NSAIDS also report stomach problems when they are a long-term solution for chronic pain.

 

This is why Virginians are turning to medical marijuana to manage their pain. It does not carry the same risks, it is less addictive than opioids, and it is far less likely to cause an overdose. 

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Get Approved For Medical Marijuana Treatment

If you are a Virginia resident living with chronic pain and are interested in medical marijuana treatment, we are here to help! Schedule an appointment today by calling us at 888-633-5808 or schedule online.

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