Access to new forms of chemotherapy for the treatment of many cancers has led to a number of citizens who are effectively managing cancer as a chronic disease. Many other cancer patients are beating cancers that were once considered inherently deadly. However, these new chemotherapy options have led many cancer sufferers to struggle with severe side effects. In many cases, cannabis can help.
Fight Neuropathic Pain
Surgical intervention or radiation can lead to the development of neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is caused by a damaged nervous system.
If your cancer is in the brain or spine, removing the tumor may cause pain flare-ups in odd places. You may also suffer a form of chronic pain after cancer treatment. Proper dosage of quality cannabis can lessen the pain of neuropathic flare-up.
Choose Your Dosage
By using cannabis to manage pain during and after your cancer treatments, you can use different products to extend the benefit of cannabis use. A dry herb vape is an excellent option for quick relief, as it allows for rapid absorption without the need to smoke. You may need a dose of CBD before bed to help you sleep if your pain is constant. During the day, you may be able to manage your pain with edibles. An edible consumed with a large meal can extend the dosage process, reducing pain without causing drowsiness.
Some cancer survivors may choose to use topicals on scars. Absorption times can vary; CBD on the tongue enters the bloodstream very quickly, while a lotion or cream applied to the skin will be slower to have an impact on your pain level.
In such cases, it’s a good idea to keep a cannabis journal. You might use a small CBD vaping pen to immediately soothe irritated nerves and simply use on an as-needed basis. You might choose to take a cannabis oil capsule with a high-fat snack an hour before you try to exercise for a bigger dose of pain control right when you need it. Over time, cannabis can build up in your body. You may find that you can actually back off on your dosage and still get effective results.
Protect Your Future
Fighting cancer includes surviving chemo for many sufferers. Indications are that cannabis is quite effective in overcoming the nausea and misery of chemo, which allows cancer survivors to eat well, regain their strength and get back to live more quickly.
For those with invasive cancers or those relying on opiates after surgery, using cannabis to manage discomfort can lessen the risk of opiate exposure. Cancer is a terrifying diagnosis. If your pain level is high and an opiate reduces it, your risk of addiction may grow over time. Because you can’t build up a tolerance for cannabis, your risk of addiction should stay low.
Cannabis for pain management is shown to be effective for those undergoing cancer treatment. It is critical to discuss your intended use of cannabis with your physician. There is a risk of drug interaction; your physician can help you create a pain management dosage routine once interactions have been ruled out.