Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease that affects the central nervous system and is usually diagnosed in young adults between 20 and 40 years of age.
Nevertheless, the condition can arise at any time and statistics show that the number of women suffering from this disease is higher than that of men.
The causes that trigger it are unknown, but multiple sclerosis is considered to be an autoimmune disease. Affected people do not recover, but they can keep the symptoms under control if they are treated correctly.
Fortunately, there are natural remedies for multiple sclerosis that are safe and effective in managing the symptoms of this condition.
This post will explore one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis, spasticity, and how medical marijuana treatment can relieve patients suffering from it.
Multiple Sclerosis Primary Symptoms
As an autoimmune disease, MS manifests through the immune system attacking healthy cells in the myelin by mistake. Some of the primary symptoms in patients suffering from MS include, but are not limited to:
- numbness or weakness
- electric-shock sensations in the body
- vision problems
Other symptoms may occur in patients with MS who show complications:
- depression
- muscle spasms or stiffness
- epilepsy
- mental disorders
MS symptoms and their severity will vary depending on the individual and can affect any part of the body. Spasticity is one of the more common MS symptoms across the United States, where a study found that 84% of patients with MS experienced some form of spasticity.
Muscle Spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis
Spasticity caused by MS manifests through stiffness or tightness in the muscles, most typically occurring in the legs.
The severity of muscle spasticity varies from person to person, but generally, people with MS experience some degree of stiffness, tightness, or pain in the muscles responsible for the balance.
Mild spasticity can be treated with exercise and various treatment strategies, however, the advanced forms of spasticity can cause severe pain and become an impediment to performing daily activities.
For such cases, your doctor may prescribe an alternative treatment which is medical marijuana.
Why Do Doctors Prescribe Medical Marijuana for Spasticity?
Although marijuana is still under medical research, more and more studies suggest that patients are experiencing uplifting results while undergoing the treatment.
Depending on the legal requirements of the state, doctors may recommend medical marijuana for various qualifying conditions:
- Inflammation
- Nausea
- Muscle spasms
- Anxiety
- Epilepsy
- Insomnia
In many states, licensed physicians can prescribe medical marijuana for any condition or symptom, as long as they believe it would improve the well-being of the patient.
Most patients with severe symptoms will experience pain and extreme discomfort or inability to perform daily activities. A doctor may prescribe medical marijuana in various cases.
Reducing insomnia, muscle spasms, and lessening pain are only some of the benefits reported in trials.
Medical marijuana is thought to be very effective in treating muscle spasms, as these are triggered by the parts of the brain that are responsible for movement and coordination. This is also where many cannabinoid receptors were found.
Medical Marijuana Card in Mississippi
If you wish to become a registered patient, here’s everything on getting a Mississippi medical marijuanas card. Patients residing in Mississippi can apply for a medical marijuana card and become registered patients with legal rights to purchase from a licensed dispensary.
If your doctor will recommend you to become certified, you will have to apply to receive your card. You will then be able to legally purchase medical marijuana, benefit from special delivery services, and become an exception from taxes and sales while making a purchase.
Bottom Line
Despite the inconclusive research on the effectiveness of marijuana in treating spasticity as a side effect of multiple sclerosis, the ongoing research is bringing more and more valuable information.
While common medication can alleviate pain and symptoms for a short while, medical marijuana may be a safer alternative for long-term treatment.
