Daily Medical Advices

Over the past few years, the benefits of medical marijuana have been extensively investigated. Studies have shown that marijuana proves to be helpful for easing nausea (which is very helpful for chemotherapy patients, among others), treating glaucoma, and more. But did you know that medical marijuana has also been used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by pain (described as numbness, burning, or tingling) and inflammation due to the median nerve in your hand being compressed. The syndrome is most commonly associated with overuse and repetitive motions of the wrist such as those performed during sewing, painting, writing, etc. While some with carpal tunnel syndrome only experience slight pain that’s uncomfortable, others experience pain so severe that they are unable to perform routine daily tasks.

The typical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is for the patient to wear splints for up to six weeks and take ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory NSAID’s. If these methods don’t work, then orthopedic surgeons will often turn to corticosteroid injections. If that doesn’t work, surgery is the final option.

Until now. It’s been found that carpal tunnel patients that use medical marijuana experience reduced pain and inflammation and improved sleep when compared to NSAID’s and sleeping pills. Medical marijuana has been recommended for some time as a sleeping aid, as it can be used in fairly small amounts and be effective. Furthermore, cannabis has been found to possess anti-inflammatory agents, which is obviously a benefit for those suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.

There are still many studies and much research going on dealing with the use of marijuana to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, but so far, it looks as though it could be a beneficial treatment. What are your opinions on the matter?