Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition that affects the hands and fingers, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. It’s caused by pressure on the median nerve, a major nerve in the hand, and travels through the wrist.
The pressure on the median nerve can potentially lead to nerve damage, and symptoms will get worse. In order to prevent permanent damage, the pressure will need to be removed from the median nerve, and oftentimes this will require surgery.
Over time carpal tunnel syndrome will get worse, and this is why early diagnosis and treatment are essential.
Recently, people have begun realizing the potential behind medical marijuana for carpal tunnel symptoms.
Can Medical Marijuana Help With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Medical marijuana may offer some benefits in managing symptoms of carpal tunnel, though this does vary from person to person.
Here’s how it could help:
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Pain Relief: One of the most recognized benefits of medical marijuana is its ability to alleviate pain. The cannabinoids in cannabis, particularly THC and CBD, can interact with pain receptors in the body, potentially reducing the perception of pain associated with CTS.
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Anti-inflammatory Effects: CBD, the primary non-psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, has anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation contributes to the compression of the nerve in CTS, so reducing inflammation may alleviate some symptoms.
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Muscle Relaxation: Cannabis can have muscle relaxant properties. This relaxation can potentially reduce the tension and pressure in the wrist and surrounding areas, offering relief from discomfort caused by CTS.
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Improved Sleep: CTS often causes discomfort and pain that can interfere with sleep. Certain cannabis strains are known for their sedative effects, which can help improve sleep quality for those suffering from CTS-related discomfort.
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Nerve Protection: There is some evidence suggesting that certain cannabinoids might have neuroprotective properties. While this doesn’t directly treat CTS, it may help in managing the overall health of nerve tissues.
It’s important to note that while medical marijuana may help alleviate some symptoms of CTS, it is not a cure for the condition. The effectiveness of cannabis in treating CTS symptoms can vary widely among individuals.
Additionally, long-term relief often requires addressing the underlying causes of nerve compression, such as repetitive strain or other ergonomic issues.
Can You Get a Medical Marijuana Card for CTS?
While you may not be able to get your MMJ card explicitly for CTS, you can definitely get a card for the symptoms that carpal tunnel brings.
Chronic pain is a qualifying medical condition for MMJ in most legal states, and carpal tunnel creates chronic pain in those suffering from it.
Here at Elevate Holistics, our doctors will work with you over the phone or computer to ensure that you — and your CTS symptoms — get the relief you deserve.
How to Get an MMJ Card for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If you’ve been suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, finding relief is important. It’s easy to obtain your medical marijuana card when you know the right steps.
The steps are similar in most states that have legalized medical marijuana. You’ll need to get your medical condition qualified by a cannabis doctor.
At Elevate Holistics we’ve partnered with doctors and dispensaries across the country. We can help you find a doctor to begin the certification process or schedule an in-home appointment through our telehealth services.
Once you’ve been certified you can apply for a medical card. How you do this will change depending on which state you live in.
If approved you can find a local dispensary on our interactive map and begin benefiting from the use of medical cannabis.