Phantom pain isn’t the most frequent form of chronic pain, but it still has the potential to be quite debilitating. Patients who suffer from this mystery ailment are increasingly moving away from the use of opiates and towards the use of medical cannabis treatment. If you have phantom pain, speaking with a medical cannabis specialist about your treatment options is a good idea. And if that’s the case, what kind of cannabis should you test out first?
We have all heard about how successful medical cannabis may be in relieving chronic pain when used in medicinal settings. But there’s also the possibility that it may help relieve phantom pain.
Phantom pain is a perplexing condition that can arise in those who have experienced the loss of a limb. Those who have lost an arm or a leg will often describe a constant, excruciating ache in the limb that they no longer possess. A “phantom limb” is a term used to describe a missing limb, and “phantom pain” is the term used to describe the associated suffering.
Following a brief examination of some of the factors that may contribute to phantom pain, we will go on to a discussion of the potential therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis.
What are the Roots of the Phantom Pain?
In the past, medical professionals thought that phantom pain was brought on by damaged nerves in the remaining portion of the severed leg. They frequently cut the stump back farther in the hope of removing the injured tissue, but when they did so, they discovered that the phantom agony was just as severe as it had been before.
The scientific community has come to a new conclusion. Phantom pain is thought to be caused by rewiring in the somatosensory cortex, according to the findings of some researchers. Approximately in the “headband zone,” there is a region of the neocortex that is referred to as the “feeling region.” This region is placed across the top of your head. The somatosensory cortex is partitioned into areas, each of which corresponds to a different portion of the body. Therefore, the area that is related with “toe” will illuminate whenever you stub your toe.
Phantom Pain
Your somatosensory brain will re-organise itself if you are amputated or lose a limb. The parts of the body that were once attached to the amputated limb are now connected to severed nerves, but there is nothing at the other end. Therefore, your brain will rewire itself such that the region that was previously connected to the missing leg will now connect to some other body part. This is done so that the space won’t be wasted.
Therefore, for an amputee to experience phantom pain, the source of the sensation most likely lies in another area of the body. For example, the region of the face associated with the cheek is frequently remapped onto the area associated with the hand that was removed. When the individual shaves, they may thus experience unpleasant feelings.
It is possible that this knowledge will not immediately propose steps that may be taken to eliminate phantom pain; but, it is possible that it will bring some consolation to those who are bothered by the peculiar nature of this illness. In addition to that, it offers advice on how to lessen the discomfort. The person we just discussed who shaves might want to think about shaving less frequently or more softly, for example.
Options for the Treatment of Phantom Limbs
Opioid medication is one of the most often used approaches for the management of phantom pain. This may be required for patients who have significant phantom pain, which accounts for 5–10% of all amputees. Unfortunately, opioids have a significant potential for addiction and are associated with a wide variety of adverse effects, some of which include nausea, constipation, damage to the liver and brain, and an enlarged belly. Even people who are experiencing extreme pain could benefit from another option.
Medical cannabis is one option among many others. It turns out that the tremendous pain-relieving benefits of medical cannabis are beneficial even against phantom pain; many people who use it testifies of its effectiveness in this regard. Some people who suffer from phantom pain find that taking opioids in conjunction with medicinal cannabis provides the most effective pain relief for their condition. They might be able to lower their dosage of the latter thanks to the mediccal cannabis, which would result in fewer adverse effects.
The mirror box therapy is another treatment that need to be mentioned. This treatment is helpful for those who suffer from phantom pain and whose phantom limbs are also paralysed. It entails employing a system of mirrors to persuade patients to “see” their remaining limb shifting into the place of their lost leg. This is done in order to successfully complete the procedure. This can often trick the brain into thinking that the phantom limb has been fixed, which frequently results in a decrease in the amount of discomfort felt by the patient.
Which Strains of Medical Cannabis Should Be Used?
The selection of the appropriate strain is essential for treating phantom pain. The last thing you want is to smoke a strain that does not relieve pain and wind up feeling high despite the fact that your phantom pain has not been alleviated.
The Widow White
White Widow has a genetic makeup that is composed of 60% indica and 40% sativa, and it is lauded for both its intellectual high and her analgesic effects. White Widow is an excellent strain to use in the evening for individuals searching for relief from chronic pain. Its high is energising and soothing at the same time, and it has the potential to be an effective painkiller. This is due to the fact that it combines the greatest qualities of both sativa and indica. White Widow is an excellent place to begin for individuals who are interested in eliminating their phantom pain.
The Royal Jack.
A significant number of people who suffer from phantom pain require a re-dose every few hours. It is doubtful that a strong Kush will be the perfect strain to use for this purpose. Royal Jack is a popular sativa strain that is known for its ability to relieve pain while also keeping users focused and energised. Royal Jack is an excellent choice for a smoke that may be enjoyed during the afternoon.
Painkiller XL
If all other options have been exhausted, it is time to resort to the most extreme measures possible: A painkilling device is what the Painkiller XL is intended to be, as the name of the machine indicates. This strain will eliminate your pain while keeping you clear-headed, focused, and joyful all at the same time because to its balanced ratio of THC to CBD and its 25% indica to 75% sativa genetic profile.
Having phantom pain on top of the trauma of losing a limb is unquestionably a cruel burden to bear. Losing a limb is unquestionably traumatic. However, you do not lack choices in this situation. Have a discussion with your primary care provider about the possibility of including medicinal cannabis into your overall treatment strategy.
To know more about where to buy medical cannabis in Australia and other medical marijuana resources, you should book a consultation session with a professional from Chronic Therapy today.
