How Marijuana Can Help with Muscle Spasticity

And Other Symptoms in MS Patients

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS), disrupting the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. MS is known for its wide array of symptoms, including muscle spasticity, pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues. Muscle spasticity, which refers to involuntary muscle tightness or stiffness, is one of the more common and debilitating symptoms of MS. Many patients have turned to medical marijuana as a treatment option, as it has shown promise in alleviating muscle spasticity and other symptoms related to MS.

In this blog, we’ll explore how marijuana, through its active compounds such as THC and CBD, can help manage muscle spasticity and other symptoms in MS patients.

Understanding Muscle Spasticity in MS

Muscle spasticity in MS is characterized by muscle stiffness and uncontrolled muscle spasms, which can range from mild to severe. For some, spasticity can be a mild nuisance, but for others, it can cause pain and significant discomfort, affecting their ability to walk, move, or perform everyday tasks. Spasticity often affects the legs but can also occur in other areas, including the arms and torso.

Spasticity results from damage to the nerve fibers that send signals from the brain to the muscles, causing those muscles to contract more than they should. When the signals become disrupted, muscle tone increases, leading to rigidity and spasm.

The Role of Medical Marijuana in Treating Muscle Spasticity

Medical marijuana has gained significant attention for its potential to relieve muscle spasticity in MS patients. The therapeutic benefits of marijuana come from its active compounds, cannabinoids, specifically tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in regulating pain, inflammation, and muscle control.

1. THC and Muscle RelaxationTHC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, has been shown to have muscle-relaxing properties. It binds to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the brain and throughout the body, which can help reduce muscle tightness and spasticity. Several studies have found that THC can significantly reduce spasticity and improve mobility in MS patients.One notable study, published in The Lancet Neurology in 2012, found that cannabis-based medicine, specifically an oral spray containing THC and CBD, was effective in reducing muscle spasticity in MS patients who were unresponsive to conventional treatments. The study demonstrated that patients who used cannabis extract experienced a significant improvement in spasticity compared to those who used a placebo.
2. CBD’s Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective EffectsWhile THC tends to steal the spotlight due to its psychoactive properties, CBD is equally important in the management of MS symptoms. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t cause the “high” associated with THC, but it has potent anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.In MS, the immune system attacks the protective covering (myelin) of nerve fibers, causing inflammation. CBD can help reduce this inflammation, thereby slowing the progression of the disease and alleviating pain and discomfort. Additionally, CBD has been shown to modulate the body’s immune response, which may help reduce the autoimmune component of MS.
3. THC and CBD CombinedMany patients and studies have found that a combination of THC and CBD provides the best results for managing muscle spasticity in MS. This combination works through the “entourage effect,” where both cannabinoids work synergistically to enhance each other’s therapeutic effects. The balanced combination of THC and CBD can offer muscle relaxation and inflammation reduction without the excessive psychoactive effects that THC alone may cause.Products like Sativex, an oral spray containing both THC and CBD, have been approved in several countries for the treatment of muscle spasticity in MS patients. The dual action of these cannabinoids provides an effective and well-tolerated treatment for many patients suffering from debilitating spasticity.

Other MS Symptoms Relieved by Medical Marijuana

In addition to muscle spasticity, medical marijuana has been found to help with several other symptoms of MS. The following are some key areas where marijuana may offer relief:

1. Pain Management

Many MS patients experience chronic pain, which can significantly impact their quality of life. Pain in MS can be due to several factors, including muscle stiffness, nerve damage, and inflammation. Cannabinoids in marijuana have been shown to modulate pain signals by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. THC can reduce the perception of pain, while CBD can reduce inflammation, addressing two major components of pain in MS patients.

Research has shown that MS patients using medical marijuana report significant reductions in pain levels. In one study, published in The Journal of Pain in 2016, researchers found that patients using a cannabis-based medicine experienced a 30% reduction in pain, a clinically significant outcome.

2. Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common and frustrating symptoms for MS patients. It can make daily activities difficult and can significantly affect one’s ability to work or maintain social relationships. While some strains of marijuana may exacerbate fatigue, particularly those high in THC, others, particularly those with balanced levels of CBD and THC, can help combat fatigue by promoting better sleep and reducing muscle spasticity that disrupts rest.

3. Sleep Disorders

Many MS patients struggle with sleep issues, whether due to muscle spasms, pain, or anxiety. Sleep disorders can further exacerbate fatigue and contribute to overall poorer quality of life. Medical marijuana, particularly strains higher in CBD, can help promote restful sleep. CBD has calming properties and can help reduce the anxiety that keeps many MS patients awake at night, while THC’s sedative effects can help users fall asleep more easily.

4. Bladder Dysfunction

Bladder dysfunction is another common issue for MS patients, often leading to frequent urination, urgency, or incontinence. Some studies have shown that marijuana, particularly strains containing both THC and CBD, may help reduce bladder frequency and urgency. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, marijuana can help relax the bladder muscles, allowing patients to have better control.

5. Mood and Depression

Living with a chronic disease like MS can take a toll on mental health, often leading to anxiety and depression. The emotional burden of dealing with the uncertainty and physical limitations of the disease can exacerbate other symptoms. THC and CBD have both been found to help regulate mood by interacting with serotonin and dopamine receptors, two neurotransmitters that play a key role in mood regulation.

CBD, in particular, has shown promise as an anti-anxiety agent. It can help reduce feelings of anxiety and promote emotional stability without causing the psychoactive effects of THC.

Are There Risks?

While medical marijuana has shown significant potential in managing symptoms of MS, it’s important to consider potential risks and side effects. THC can cause psychoactive effects, such as euphoria, altered judgment, or impaired coordination, which may not be suitable for all patients. Some people may also experience dry mouth, dizziness, or cognitive impairment, especially with higher doses of THC.

CBD, on the other hand, is generally well-tolerated, but it may interact with certain medications, so it’s important for patients to consult with their healthcare provider before starting any cannabis-based treatments.

Final Thoughts

Medical marijuana offers a promising alternative for MS patients who struggle with muscle spasticity and other symptoms like pain, fatigue, and mood disturbances. The combination of THC and CBD provides a synergistic approach to alleviating muscle stiffness while managing inflammation, pain, and other complications of MS. As with any treatment, it’s important for patients to work with their healthcare team to determine the best approach, ensuring that cannabis is used safely and effectively to manage their symptoms.

With more research and growing acceptance of medical marijuana, it’s likely that cannabis-based treatments will continue to play a vital role in the lives of MS patients, providing them with much-needed relief and improving their quality of life.

If you haven’t yet obtained your mmj card, be sure to take a look at Compassionate Care Consultant full guide on how to get a medical marijuanas card in Mississippi. Ready to schedule a consultation and take the next steps to become a registered patient? Reach out to schedule an appointment.