Can Cannabinoids Be Your Body’s Own Natural Pain Reliever?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are chronic autoimmune conditions that cause severe joint destruction and persistent pain. Despite recent advances in pharmaceutical treatments, effective pain management remains a challenge, leading many patients to explore alternative options like cannabinoids. While cannabis is medically legalized in most US states, its efficacy and safety in treating inflammatory arthritis require further investigation.
Cross-Sectional Study Overview
A detailed cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the role of cannabinoids in managing pain in patients with RA and PsA. Conducted at a rheumatology clinic from October 2019 to March 2020, the study surveyed eligible patients on their experiences with cannabinoids.
- Total participants: 290 patients (247 with RA, 44 with PsA)
- Demographics: 82.3% female, 17.7% male
- Mean age: RA – 57.1 years, PsA – 56.2 years
Findings and Results
Cannabinoid Usage
Approximately 16.95% of RA and 11.63% of PsA patients reported using cannabinoids, primarily inhaled for RA and topical or liquid forms for PsA.
Pain and Symptom Reduction
Post-cannabis use, a significant reduction in pain levels was observed (mean difference: 2.267, p < 0.001). Patients also reported improvements in stiffness, fatigue, and swelling, though these could be related to a placebo effect.
Side Effects and Patient Willingness
Reported side effects were minimal, and a majority were open to discussing cannabinoid treatments with their doctors β 80.9% of RA and 86.4% of PsA patients expressed willingness.
Conclusion
The study highlights a significant portion of patients with inflammatory arthritis who are using or have used cannabinoids and perceived a short-term relief from pain and associated symptoms. While these findings are promising, further research is essential to verify the long-term effectiveness and safety for RA and PsA patients. As alternative pain management strategies become a topic of discussion, cannabinoids could potentially serve as a complementary treatment option.
For more details, visit the original study at PubMed.
Keywords: cannabinoids, pain management, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, health surveys
CATEGORY: Arthritis
