The Potential of Marijuana to Treat Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a debilitating and painful inflammatory condition that affects the spine, causing stiffness and pain. Traditional treatments are often ineffective, and many sufferers are looking to alternative treatments, like marijuana, for relief. This article will explore the potential of marijuana to treat ankylosing spondylitis, the evidence supporting its use, and the potential side effects. We will also look at the legal status of marijuana and how it may affect the availability of this potential treatment.

Does marijuana use increase the risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis?

At this time, there is no scientific evidence that marijuana use increases the risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis. In fact, some research suggests that marijuana may have a protective effect against certain inflammatory diseases, although more research is needed to confirm this.

How does marijuana help alleviate the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis?

Marijuana has been shown to help alleviate the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis by reducing inflammation, easing pain, and reducing stiffness in the joints. Studies have also shown that marijuana can reduce nausea and vomiting associated with the condition, as well as improve sleep. Furthermore, marijuana may also reduce anxiety and depression associated with the condition.

Are there any studies that suggest CBD can help reduce inflammation caused by ankylosing spondylitis?

Yes, there are studies that suggest CBD can help reduce inflammation caused by ankylosing spondylitis. A study from 2017 found that CBD was effective in reducing inflammation markers in ankylosing spondylitis patients. There is also evidence to suggest that CBD may help improve physical functioning and reduce pain in ankylosing spondylitis patients.

What dosage of CBD is most effective for treating ankylosing spondylitis?

The exact dosage of CBD for treating ankylosing spondylitis varies from person to person. It is recommended to start with a low dose of CBD and increase the dosage as needed. It is important to consult a physician before starting any treatment with marijuana or CBD, as the dosage needs to be tailored to the individual’s needs and symptoms.

Are there any known side effects of using marijuana to treat ankylosing spondylitis?

Yes, there are some known side effects associated with using marijuana to treat ankylosing spondylitis. These include dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, increased heart rate, and impaired motor coordination. People may also experience anxiety and paranoia. Additionally, long-term use of marijuana can lead to dependence and can interfere with learning and memory.

Why does ankylosing spondylitis hurt so much?

Marijuana is not recommended as a form of treatment for ankylosing spondylitis pain. The condition is caused by inflammation of the joints in the spine, which can cause extreme discomfort and pain. Treatment for ankylosing spondylitis usually involves pain medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Can a chiropractor fix ankylosing spondylitis?

No, a chiropractor cannot fix ankylosing spondylitis. There is currently no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but marijuana has been found to have potential therapeutic benefits for those suffering from the condition. Research indicates that medicinal cannabis can help to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve mobility.

Can you manage ankylosing spondylitis without medication?

Marijuana may help in relieving some of the symptoms associated with ankylosing spondylitis, such as inflammation, pain, and stiffness. However, it is not recommended as a replacement for conventional medical treatments and should not be used to completely manage ankylosing spondylitis without medication.

How do you slow down ankylosing spondylitis?

Marijuana has been studied for its potential to slow the progression of ankylosing spondylitis. Studies have shown that marijuana can reduce inflammation, which is a major factor for ankylosing spondylitis. Additionally, marijuana has been found to reduce pain and improve sleep, which are important components of managing ankylosing spondylitis. However, it is important to speak with a doctor before using marijuana to treat ankylosing spondylitis.

Can I drink alcohol in ankylosing spondylitis?

No, it is not recommended to drink alcohol with ankylosing spondylitis. Alcohol can interact with certain medications and may worsen inflammation or pain associated with the condition. It is also important to note that marijuana is not recommended for people with ankylosing spondylitis either, as it may worsen symptoms and interfere with medications.

What is the latest treatment for ankylosing spondylitis?

Marijuana has been studied as a potential treatment for ankylosing spondylitis, but more research is needed to determine its effectiveness. One study found that the use of medical marijuana can reduce pain, improve sleep, and reduce fatigue in people with ankylosing spondylitis. However, more research is needed to determine if marijuana is an effective treatment for this condition.

Does RSO help with joint pain?

RSO, or Rick Simpson Oil, is a type of cannabis extract that has been found to be helpful in treating joint pain associated with ankylosing spondylitis. Studies have shown that using RSO can reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and reduce pain. Additionally, RSO can be taken orally or applied topically, making it a versatile treatment option. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting any kind of treatment plan.

Does marijuana affect ankylosing spondylitis?

Research suggests that cannabis may possess anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. However, more research needs to be done to determine if marijuana is an effective treatment for ankylosing spondylitis and what dosage is necessary for therapeutic effects.

Does CBD oil work for ankylosing spondylitis?

Studies have shown that CBD oil may be effective in reducing inflammation and pain associated with ankylosing spondylitis. However, further research is needed to determine the full extent of its effectiveness in treating this condition. Additionally, CBD oil may interact with medications, so it is important to consult a doctor before taking it.

How do you stop ankylosing spondylitis flare ups?

There is no evidence that marijuana can help to prevent or stop flare ups of ankylosing spondylitis. However, it is possible that marijuana may help to reduce inflammation and pain associated with ankylosing spondylitis. Additionally, marijuana may help improve sleep quality and reduce stress, both of which can aid in reducing the frequency of flare ups. If considering using marijuana to manage ankylosing spondylitis, it is important to discuss with a healthcare professional to ensure proper dosing and safety.

How do you calm ankylosing spondylitis?

Marijuana has been used to help relieve some of the symptoms associated with ankylosing spondylitis, such as inflammation and pain. However, research is still ongoing to determine the exact effects of marijuana on ankylosing spondylitis. It is important to speak with your doctor before using marijuana for ankylosing spondylitis.

Has anyone recovered from ankylosing spondylitis?

Yes, some people with ankylosing spondylitis have reported that using marijuana has helped reduce their symptoms and improve their quality of life. However, it is important to note that marijuana is not a cure for ankylosing spondylitis and its effects may vary from person to person.

Doctors and patients need high-quality studies specific to rheumatic disease, research finds. People are increasingly knowledgeable about its options, such as edibles and indica versus sativa two of its strains. And those with rheumatoid arthritis RA and other rheumatic diseases are eager to try it. Yet what is scientifically known about the medical use of cannabis products for rheumatic conditions can fit on a pinhead. The article was published online April 29, , in Current Rheumatology Reports. Benjamin Nowell, PhD , the director of patient-centered research at the online arthritis community CreakyJoints and a lead author of the review. Understanding the medicinal effects of cannabis is an important topic, Dr. The fact that people with RA are extremely interested in cannabis was documented by CreakyJoints several years ago, when its patient-centered ArthritisPower Research Registry, where Nowell is a principal investigator, queried people online. A key reason for their use to address symptoms, especially pain, that were not resolved with other medications. Some 18 percent of respondents who used cannabis said they did so because nothing else they tried had worked. With the growing interest from people living with ankylosing spondylitis AS , psoriatic arthritis PsA , and other inflammatory conditions, rheumatologists are often asked to provide guidance on cannabis use, Nowell says. Yet doctors cannot provide comprehensive guidance because sufficient high-quality research on cannabis for pain, and particularly for people with a rheumatic condition, has not been done, the review article found. A major reason for the paltry research is that cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, even though many states have given it the green light. This makes it difficult for researchers to get funding and approval for studies, and to get consistent, high-quality cannabis to use in research, Nowell says. The review article examined research done on cannabis for rheumatoid conditions or for symptoms like pain experienced by many people with the condition. It found laboratory studies documenting that cannabinoids reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and animal studies in mice showing reduced pain responses and inflammation from cannabis products. But there was only one randomized clinical trial considered the highest quality evidence in medicine and it was small, with just 31 people with RA randomized to the medicinal cannabis and 27 to the placebo group. Nonetheless, the study did find that cannabis produced statistically significant improvements in pain during movement and during rest and on quality of sleep, although not on pain intensity and stiffness. The good news is that several, albeit small, studies are currently being planned, according to the federal website ClinicalTrials. One study has already started recruiting patients and another, testing CBD, has not yet begun. Some published studies have looked at the patient experience, although they are not randomized controlled trials. For example, Israeli researchers reported in Pain Research and Management in September that of some people visiting an outpatient rheumatology clinic who use medical cannabis, the majority reported significant improvements to pain levels and sleep with those taking the highest dosage, 36 grams, reducing pain the most, at 83 percent. And a look at one group of 40 people with pain from osteoarthritis , not RA, found their opioid use declined after they started using medical cannabis, researchers reported in Cureus in January Another survey of cannabis use in people with chronic inflammatory arthritis psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or RA has been completed, although results are not yet available. The review article makes clear that cannabis interactions with drugs commonly used by people with RA including DMARDs , gabapentin , and antidepressants has not been studied at all. It also describes side effects found in some research in people taking cannabis, including constipation and fatigue, which may be more common in people with RA, impaired driving, and, more rarely, heart rhythm disturbances and psychosis. Changes in brain development in adolescents and impairments to newborns when pregnant women use it are reasons people under 25 should not use medicinal cannabis , Nowell says. Because of the trust people have in their physicians and because doctors know about their symptoms and the medicines they are already taking, people want to be able to talk about this option with their doctor, Nowell says. In fact, in the ArthritisPower survey, some 10 percent of people using medical marijuana stopped doing so because their doctor was not in favor. The review article includes advice for physicians, taken from similar guidance offered by the Canadian Rheumatology Association.