May News Letter

There’s no question that the traditional drug-focused healthcare system is failing many patients who are in pain. Despite all of mainstream medicine’s best efforts, including prescription and over-the-counter options, the best ways to treat pain still remain elusive for millions of people. Chronic pain can interfere with an individual’s ability to work, attend school, or care for their family. Therefore, it should not be surprising that more patients are exploring alternative therapies to address their pain Over the past 25 years, there have been thousands of studies to determine the efficacy and safety of cannabis extracts—principally CBD and THC—to treat pain. But you may have concerns about using and recommending such products, particularly if your patients are subject to random drug screenings.

Differences between CBD and THC

There are an estimated 113 cannabinoids in cannabis plants.

Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds in cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the best-known and most studied of these cannabinoids. Both marijuana and hemp share the same Latin name, Cannabis sativa, but each is cultivated as a separate variety.

Traditionally, hemp plants have been grown for their fibers to make textile products (such as rope and clothing), while marijuana has been traditionally grown for its psychoactive properties.5

Both plants contain a spectrum of cannabinoid compounds that act on the human nervous system, but in different ways. CBD and THC act on the peripheral nervous system to reduce the sensation of pain. THC, however, also has a psychoactive compound that produces a euphoric effect.

Can Your Diet Affect Join Pain?

Diet is frequently implicated in various systemic inflammatory disorders and, in consequence, various joint inflammatory conditions. For example, celiac disease, a chronic inflammatory disorder, is often associated with gluten insensitivity or gluten intolerance. Malabsorption syndrome and leaky gut syndrome, both of which may be associated with joint inflammation, may be associated with gluten insensitivity or gluten intolerance. The inclusion of nutritional supplementation such as probiotics and prebiotics is helpful in the overall management of malabsorption syndrome and leaky gut syndrome. As well, instituting a gluten-free diet may be of assistance in managing gluten sensitivity, gluten intolerance, and conditions such as celiac disease.

Additionally, sugar, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, monosodium glutamate, and alcohol are known causes and potentiators of joint inflammation. For certain individuals, dairy products, eggs, tomatoes, nuts, and coffee may exacerbate existing joint inflammation. In contrast, for most people, diets containing at least five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily help prevent the development of joint inflammation and help reduce inflammatory processes and thus ameliorate a primary cause of joint pain.

Regular chiropractic care plays a key role in the effective management of joint pain. By detecting and correcting sources of spinal nerve irritation and nerve interference, regular chiropractic care helps to optimize the functioning of your entire physiology. Potential causes of joint pain in the neck, mid back, and lower back are addressed directly, and joint pain in other locations is benefited by more normalized communication between those sites and the nerve system as a whole. In this way, regular chiropractic care helps improve the long-term overall health and well-being of you and your family.