Researchers have published preliminary findings on the use of cannabinoids on neuropathic pain in people with spinal cord injury.
A team of researchers at the University of Miami has explored the self-reported effects of cannabis and cannabinoids in patients with spinal cord injury.
Approximately 60% per cent of those with a spinal cord injury experience neuropathic pain, which often persists despite the use of various pharmacological treatments.
According to their findings, many of these patients are using cannabis to manage their pain and nearly half report using it in place of opioids.
The research team surveyed 227 spinal cord patients with a history of cannabis use.
Eighty-eight percent reported that cannabis ‘reduced their neuropathic pain intensity by more than 30 per cent’. In addition, 47 per cent said that they consumed cannabis instead of opioids.
Most patients reported that cannabis also played a role in reducing their stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
The study is one of the first cross-sectional survey studies focused on the perceived effects of cannabis and cannabinoids on neuropathic pain and pain medication use in people with spinal cord injury.
The authors concluded: “The current study adds to the pain management literature by suggesting that cannabis and cannabinoids might be beneficial in reducing SCI-associated neuropathic pain symptoms. Our findings also suggest that cannabis and cannabinoids are being used as substitutes for many prescribed pain medications.
“Although this evidence is preliminary, there is undoubtedly a strong need for large-scale placebo-controlled clinical trials examining the efficacy of cannabis and cannabinoids in reducing neuropathic pain and its influence in this population.”
