Cannabis: A Growing Pain Management Option for Orthopedic Patients

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have uncovered a surprising trend among patients seeking orthopedic care for chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. More than one in five of these patients are turning to cannabis as a pain management solution, with the majority reporting positive results.

The study, published in the Journal of Cannabis Research, surveyed 629 adults visiting an orthopedic clinic in Toronto for their first consultation. The findings paint a compelling picture of cannabis use in pain management:

• Nearly two-thirds of cannabis users found it very or somewhat effective for pain relief.
• An impressive 57% claimed cannabis outperformed other pain medications.
• 40% reduced their use of other pain medications after starting cannabis.

Interestingly, CBD emerged as the most popular cannabinoid among users, with 39% favoring it. However, knowledge gaps persist, with 23% of users unaware of their cannabis’s composition.

The study also revealed a significant interest in cannabis among non-users. About 65% expressed curiosity about using marijuana for pain management but faced barriers such as lack of knowledge about access, use, and evidence.

Despite its popularity, only 26% of cannabis users received a doctor’s recommendation for its use in treating MSK pain. This highlights a potential disconnect between patient practices and medical guidance.

Cannabis users reported additional benefits beyond pain relief:

• 44% experienced improved sleep
• 26% noted reduced anxiety
• 18% found relief from headaches

However, the study also found that cannabis users generally suffered from more severe pain and a broader range of ailments compared to non-users. Researchers suggest this could indicate that patients with more complex conditions are more likely to seek alternative treatments like cannabis.

While these findings are promising, the authors emphasize the need for more rigorous, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials to definitively determine cannabis’s effectiveness in managing MSK pain.

This research comes at a time of increasing interest in cannabis-based pain treatments. Recent studies have explored the potential of terpenes, cannabis compounds that may offer pain relief without the risk of dependence associated with opioids.

As the landscape of pain management evolves, this study underscores the importance of open dialogue between patients and healthcare providers about cannabis use. It also highlights the need for improved regulation and oversight in the medicinal cannabis industry.

With cannabis increasingly entering the mainstream of pain management, further research and clinical trials will be crucial in understanding its full potential and limitations in treating chronic musculoskeletal pain.