Rheumatic disease or rheumatism describes dozens of conditions that are characterized by chronic inflammation, pain, swelling and stiffness in joints, connective tissues and muscle fibers. There is no cure for rheumatism, and the causes can range from simple aging, to wear and tear (in the case of a professional athlete for example), or it can result from immune system deficiencies. Currently, more than 50 million adults suffer from some form of the condition in the form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Lupus.
Rheumatism can significantly diminish one’s quality of life since it can impact daily activities that non-sufferers take for granted. Simple tasks such as driving, preparing meals, and putting on clothes can be difficult for a person with the condition.
Researchers are wary of committing to the idea that cannabis can help rheumatism. Cannabinoids have been useful in remedying symptoms of so many other conditions, yet studies on cannabis and rheumatism haven’t been as positive.
In a review of cannabis treatment studies conducted in 2014, Mary Ann Fitzcharles, MD concluded that cannabis was “inferior to all other analgesic classes other than opioids.”
Also adding that little scientific evidence exists showing that cannabis reduces pain in rheumatic individuals (which is common when scientist don’t conduct enough studies).
Fitzcharles did acknowledge that cannabinoids are very useful in treating other chronic pain conditions, however; her findings show that other pain types have “a different underlying mechanism” that rheumatism.
Yet, a study found in the Journal of Opioid Management conducted prior to Fitcharles’ study revealed that as of 2009, 80 percent of medical marijuana patients were using pot to treat myofascial pain.
Myofascial pain is a chronic pain disorder that affects the muscles and joints. So, while rheumatologists have generally erred on the side of caution, rheumatic patients seem to have contradicting beliefs about the pain-reducing abilities of cannabis.
More: HERB
