THC for Daily Pain Relief [Pain, Toothache, Menstrual Cramps & More] (2023)

Unlike acute pain, which is classified as transient,chronic painit is typically defined as any pain lasting longer than 12 weeks. Chronic pain is a limitation in the quality of life of most people.

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers are relatively inexpensive and readily available. A survey by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) found that 81% of Americans have taken over-the-counter medication as the first reaction to minor ailments.

More than 90% of doctors believe that over-the-counter drugs are safe and effective under the CHPA, but are they right? Many over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can have adverse effects on your stomach and kidneys.

In part because of these risks, more Americans are ditching their over-the-counter medications in favor of cannabis to help manage everyday illnesses. Marijuana and cannabinoids such asTHC e CBD, are used to treat a number of conditions, including multiple sclerosis, depression, and severe anxiety. Let's take a closer look at this trend and the science behind it.

THC for General Everyday Aches and Pains: How Helpful is It?

Medical marijuana is legal in most states and available for recreational use in several other states. Those living in a legal state can consume THC by smoking, vaping, or using edibles. Regardless of the method, it is not advisable to try to use a significant dose of THC before working hours.

Whole body homeostasis and daily pain management

Imagine two people: One of them is in painrheumatoid arthritis(RA) arthritis and other serious illnessesmigraine. The RA patient takes 5 mg of hydrocodone (an opioid analgesic). Meanwhile, the migraine sufferer takes three ibuprofen pills to relieve his throbbing headache.

In RA patients, hydrocodone works by blocking the transmission of pain in the brain. It does nothing to reduce inflammation in the joints. Ibuprofen works by inhibiting the formation of prostaglandins at the site of inflammation. It physically reduces the inflamed tissue responsible for migraine pain. However, it can also inhibit protective prostaglandins in the digestive system and kidneys. Over time, this can lead to serious health risks (such as stomach bleeding and kidney damage).

What if they use THC?

In the case of the patient with rheumatoid arthritis, the active cannabinoid migrates to the specific areajoint inflammationLocation. There it binds to natural cannabinoid receptors in the synovial membrane (the layer of tissue responsible for causing arthritis pain) and causes the inflamed tissue to physically shrink.

Additionally, THC elicits a pain-modulating response in migraine sufferers, usually without negatively affecting or upsetting the stomach or kidneys.

Cannabis differs from other traditional painkillers in that it acts on a whole-body homeostasis system.

Homeostasis refers to the balance of the body's systems. THC acts on homeostasis by physiologically manipulating theEndocanabinoid systemor ECS. The ECS is a system ofcannabinoidsand cannabinoid receptors that occur naturally in the body. This system works to regulate many functions including pain, memory and appetite.

These natural cannabinoids and their receptors have been found in cells throughout the human body, from T cells, which initiate an immune response, to pancreatic cells, which produce insulin to regulate blood sugar.

dr Dustin Sulak is a leading physician in the field of full body cannabis use. He described the endocannabinoid system as "perhaps the most important physiological system involved in the production and maintenance of human health". This is due to the role it plays in maintaining homeostasis, the body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite "fluctuations in the external environment".

THC as a daily treat

There is a growing body of research on cannabis, particularly the effects of THC and CBD.major illnesses. While there is still much research to be done, some studies have found promising results.

THC for Menstrual Cramps

Legend has it that Queen Victoria, the long reigning English monarch, used marijuana to treat the pain of menstrual cramps. Apparently, her doctor, Sir J. Russell Reynolds, got her the marijuana. But can THC ease the pain of menstrual cramps?

Alearnby Ethan Russo, published inBritish Journal of Pharmacologyin August 2011 revised theEntourage Effect. This theory suggests that cannabinoids and terpenoids work best together.

While THC can act as a pain reliever, CBD acts as a muscle relaxant. Therefore, cannabis can block the pain associated with spasms, but also help prevent their onset.

People with menstrual cramps may find relief using a topical cannabis product, such as B. A cream, applied to the lower abdomen.

Unless a person uses a large amount of the cream, he or she should not experience any psychoactive effects. When consumed they can also discover this marijuanamuscle relaxant propertiesit also helps.

Marijuana for toothache / general toothache

To date, there has been little research on the effects of cannabis on dental problems. THC and CBD have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. therefore aCombination of THC and CBDmay be helpful for people with toothache.

THC for muscle aches/stiffness/spasms

Cannabis is commonly used to treat conditions such asMultiple sclerosis, where muscle stiffness is one of the main symptoms. on aStudy 2012, published inJournal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, an extract of marijuana helped relieve muscle stiffness associated with MS.

Patients with this condition were given a THC extract for two weeks or a placebo with maintenance doses for another ten weeks. Those who took cannabis orally had a reduction in muscle stiffness almost twice as high as the placebo group after 12 weeks.

THC in acute inflammation

don't giveanalysis, “Cannabinoids as New Anti-Inflammatory Drugs”, Nagarkatti et al. found that "several studies have shown that cannabinoids down-regulate cytokine and chemokine production and, in some models, up-regulate regulatory T cells (Tregs) as a mechanism to suppress inflammatory responses."

The researchers concluded their review by stating that "overall, cannabinoids have shown significant potential for use as new anti-inflammatory agents."

THC for energy/fatigue/mental focus

A National Safety Council report found that as many as 43% of Americans admit to being too tired to function properly at work. Could cannabis help with that too? Well, while marijuana is often associated with making you sleepy, that's only true for certain strains.

Indica-dominant Cannabissortenare often associated with improved sleep, but each burdenStunnedplays a big part in how calming even the various indica strains can be.Sativa-dominant Sortenthey typically contain higher levels of energizing and less sedating terpenes.

For example, strains with less than 0.5% myrcene are energizing, while strains with more than 0.5% are calming.

For people who are always tired and have trouble sleeping, an indica-dominant hybrid with plenty ofMyrcenIt's a solid choice. However, tribes are likediesel azedo,green crack, ÖDurban-Presentcan be helpful for an energy boost.

Final Thoughts on THC for Everyday Pain Relief

Over-the-counter medications are inexpensive, easy to obtain, and can provide short-term relief. However, they usually do nothing to alleviate the cause of the pain in the long term, and overuse can lead to medical problems later on.

If practical and legal, considerMarijuana Microdoseto see if its THC and other cannabinoids can do the trick.