A person with chronic back pain can take medications to help with the pain. However, there may be times when these medications are insufficient and surgery is required. If that is the case, the patient with chronic back pain should speak with their doctor to determine the best course of action.
Cannabis has been known to reduce pain in some cases, so some people with chronic back pain may also be eligible for a medical marijuana card. Read on to learn more.
Can You Get a Medical Card for Back Pain?
Yes, if you suffer from chronic back pain, you may be eligible for a medical marijuana card. Medical cannabis can be an effective treatment for reducing back pain and providing relief from discomfort. Here are the steps to get a medical card for back pain and how medical marijuana can help alleviate your symptoms.
How to Get a Medical Card for Back Pain
There are a few ways to obtain a medical marijuana card for chronic back pain:
- Apply through your state’s department of health. Most states allow you to apply for a medical marijuana card if you have a qualifying condition like chronic back pain. You will need to provide medical records as evidence of your condition.
- Get a recommendation from your doctor. Some states require a recommendation from a licensed physician to certify that you have a qualifying medical condition that could benefit from medical cannabis. Your doctor can evaluate your condition and medical history to determine if medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment option for you.
- Visit a cannabis dispensary. In some states, dispensaries can issue medical marijuana cards to patients with qualifying conditions. The dispensary will have a physician on staff to conduct an evaluation, review your medical records, and determine if medical cannabis is right for your chronic back pain.
- Pay registration or licensing fees. Most states charge either an application or licensing fee to obtain a medical marijuana card. Fees typically range from $50 to $200 per year. Some states waive or reduce fees for patients with certain medical conditions like chronic back pain.
How Medical Marijuana Can Help Back Pain
If you obtain a medical marijuana card for back pain, you can use it to purchase and use cannabis products to help relieve your symptoms. Here are some of the main ways medical marijuana can help reduce back pain:
- Reduces muscle spasms. Marijuana can help relax muscles and reduce spasms that contribute to back pain. Studies show that marijuana can reduce muscle spasm intensity by up to 45% within 20 minutes. Many states have approved medical marijuana for muscle spasms.
- Relieves chronic pain. Marijuana can help block pain signals in the brain, which helps alleviate chronic back pain. Medical marijuana products like CBD oil, capsules, and topical creams can provide long-lasting pain relief when used regularly.
- Improves sleep. Back pain can make it difficult to sleep, and lack of sleep can exacerbate symptoms. Marijuana can help relax the body and mind, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Better sleep can help speed healing and provide relief from back pain.
- Reduces inflammation. Marijuana has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the back that contributes to pain and discomfort. Reducing inflammation helps relax muscles and relieve pressure on the spine.
- Stimulates appetite. Back pain can cause a loss of appetite, but medical marijuana can help stimulate your appetite so you continue to get the nutrients you need to heal.
In summary, medical marijuana can be an effective treatment for chronic back pain because it helps relax the body, relieves pain and muscle spasms, improves sleep and appetite, and reduces inflammation. If you qualify, obtaining a medical marijuana card for your back pain can help you access cannabis products to safely manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
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Reference:
https://sanctuarywellnessinstitute.com/blog/can-you-get-a-medical-card-for-chronic-back-pain/
https://marijuanadoctorsrx.com/marijuana/can-you-get-a-medical-card-for-chronic-back-pain/