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Treating Pelvic Pain With Cannabis

Treating Pelvic Pain With Cannabis

Women

Treating Pelvic Pain With Cannabis

Pain is one of our body’s ways of letting us know that something is wrong. Women in particular often experience pelvic pain, or pain below the belly button and above the legs. This can be caused by a number of things, from cysts to digestive problems. Some women experience pelvic pain after giving birth. Others have a more serious medical condition that is causing the pain, such as endometriosis, which has no cure despite popular assumption.

It is very important to see a doctor if you have pelvic pain. But no matter the cause of your pain, know that cannabis can be of great help! It has been used for centuries around the world to cure ailments and alleviate symptoms, and research has shown that it is safer than the use of opioid pain medications.

How Cannabis Offers Pain Relief

Treating Pelvic Pain With Cannabis

Our bodies make natural chemical receptors called endocannabinoids. They are part of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), a harm reduction system found in the brain, nervous system, and elsewhere. They keep everything from our sleep to our appetites running smoothly.  It is a common misconception that these receptors only live in the brain and nervous system. They can also be found in the skin, gut, and reproductive organs. They are even found in break milk!

Researchers continue to find evidence that the ECS is important when it comes to treating pain and inflammation.

When our bodies cannot naturally heal themselves, cannabis can be a great helper. The cannabis plant has properties that mimic endocannabinoids and gives the body and brain a boost.

There are two main compounds found in cannabis: THC and CBD. Both are very effective in managing pain. THC gives us that familiar “high,” while CBD does not. For instance, medicinal CBD oil contains small amounts of THC, so users get all of the benefits of cannabis without altering their state of mind. A Canadian study found no serious side effects of medical cannabis after one year of pain treatment.

Way back in 1988, researchers in London found that cannabis is up to four times more effective than aspirin at treating inflammation. That’s great news, as aspirin can result in fatal overdoses, while cannabis cannot.

Prescription opioids like oxycodone can also cause nausea and vomiting, while cannabis might relieve your tummy troubles and increase your appetite. Opioids are also addictive.

States like Oregon, California, and Washington have seen a decrease in opioid overdoses. It’s no wonder, as cannabis is legal in all three of them, and many are trading in their opioid drugs for medical weed.

Understanding Your Pain

Treating Pelvic Pain With Cannabis

It is important to try and find the root cause of your pain. Acute pain is sudden and intense, while chronic pain is long-lasting and consistent. It can even get worse over time. Usually, it lasts for three months or longer.

Acute pelvic pain might be caused by PMS, stomach troubles, or a ruptured cyst. Chronic pelvic pain may be the sign of an underlying disease, such as adenomyosis. This condition causes pain during periods and pressure on the bladder. Other sufferers might have chronic pelvic pain syndrome, a condition found in men that is caused by inflammation of the prostate gland. Symptoms include fatigue, difficulty urinating, sexual problems, and general pain in the pelvic region.

At 2011 study at the University of California at San Francisco concluded that cannabis can be a powerful remedy for chronic pelvic pain. In 2014, researchers found that 61 percent of people who had used cannabis to treat chronic pelvic pain syndrome showed improved symptoms. While cannabis may not work as well for everyone in pain management, it’s definitely worth giving a try.

Finding the Best Strains for Your Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain can make daily life very difficult. Symptoms might include bloating, cramps, spotting between periods, and lower back pain. When it comes to treating pain, some strains of cannabis are far more effective than others. It is always important to think about what time of day you are using cannabis, and what kind of pain you are having.

Inflammation is a natural immune response that helps the body heal itself. It is also often the root cause of pain. Cannabis can treat inflammation and relieve pain all across the body.

Strains with a high amount of CBD help reduce inflammation without getting you high. If you need to work, operate machinery, or concentrate on tasks during the day, high CBD strains are probably your best bet.

For instance, Cannatonic contains less than six percent THC and will leave you calm and relaxed. It’s a popular strain for those with chronic pain. Harlequin, a sativa dominant hybrid, has a CBD/THC ratio of 5/2.

Canna-Tsu is also a sativa dominant hybrid and is very popular in providing pain relief while leaving you clear-headed and happy.

“The popularity may be related to the effects on symptom relief and the fact that higher CBD products produce less cognitive disruption and therefore leave patients more functional and clear-headed,” Dr. Sherellen Gerhart told HelloMD.

However, if you want more THC or have some downtime, try strains like Sour Diesel, which can give you a boost of energy and creativity. OG Kush, an indica dominant hybrid, can be great for back pain relief and muscle spasms. Try smoking or vaping some in the evenings, as it also works to treat insomnia.

Some believe the best strains for pain relief contain both CBD and THC. When combined, they work together to increase each other’s powerful effects.

Topical Cannabis Creams are Always an Option

Treating Pelvic Pain With Cannabis

If you don’t want to smoke, vape, or eat edibles, topical cannabis cream can be a great alternative for relieving your pelvic pain. Types of topicals include lotions, balms, or oils that absorb directly into the skin. It’s non-addictive, powerful, and all-natural stuff. Plus, they won’t get you high. Cannabis cream works wonders to reduce inflammation and relax the muscles.

Simply apply the cream directly to where you are having pain. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and foods high in fat and sugar while you are using the cream can also help de-stress the body. Every topical cream is different. Some have cooling menthol, while others create a warming sensation. OG Kush Cream even contains emu oil, which helps the skin absorb it nicely.

Eat Some CBD Edibles

Treating Pelvic Pain With Cannabis

Edibles with high amounts of CBD, like Cheeba Chews, are a delicious way to relieve inflammation. If your pain is related to your period, try OM EDIBLES™. They’ve been endorsed by the likes of Whoopi Goldberg, who strongly advocates for medical cannabis legalization. (She even has her own product line for menstrual cramps called Maya & Whoopi’s OM EDIBLES™).

Try Taking a Cannabis Bubble Bath

Treating Pelvic Pain With Cannabis

It may sound simple, but a nice, warm bath can really help relax your muscles and ease your pain, especially if cannabis is involved.

Add cannabis bath bombs (which you can make at home) to warm bathwater, and let your body enter a deep state of relaxation. This relaxing soak can also help with eczema and various skin issues. We also recommend not letting the water get too hot, as scalding water can amp up your nervous system instead of calming it down.

To make your bath truly unbelievable, smoke or vape a great strain of pain-relieving cannabis while soaking in the tub. You’ll thank us later.

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