The use of cannabis to assist with various medical issues and health conditions is on the rise. Studies seem to be showing progress every single day on something new, including chronic and once-debilitating conditions that had little to look forward to in the way of relief. Muscle spasms can happen to everyday people but when they become chronic and debilitating, they could be a sign of serious ailments or injuries. They could also disrupt your daily life and cause you to seek any kind of relief that you can find.
Studies have been done that show cannabis is a great option for relief from muscle spasms and the other symptoms of conditions that cause them. Whether it’s an undiagnosed, random spasm issue or something like Parkinson’s or Multiple Sclerosis (MS), it’s quickly being discovered that prescription medications don’t offer as much relief (or at least side effect-free relief) as people would hope.
Fortunately, CBD and medical marijuana are becoming more popular across the country and around the world for the treatment and relief of all kinds of conditions, including those involving muscle spasms. Almost all of the states that have legalized medical marijuana include muscle spasms and their related conditions on the list of qualifying medical marijuana conditions.
What is a Muscle Spasm?
Muscle spasms are often nothing worth much worry or concern. In fact, mild spasms and occasional muscle-related issues are found in as many as 60% of all adults. If, however, the muscle spasms become acute and ongoing, they can be disruptive to daily life, sleep, and even the ability to exercise or function normally.
The North American Spine Society defines a muscle spasm as “when one or more muscles suddenly and involuntarily contract.” Just about any muscle in the body could develop some type of spasm from occasional misuse or injury. Chronic and widespread muscle spasms are usually a sign of a much more serious condition that requires a more focused treatment plan and a consideration of the various options available.
What Causes Chronic Muscle Spasms?
There are several different causes of chronic muscle spasms, including everything from simple overuse or misuse of the body’s muscles to serious conditions like ALS, MS, and spinal cord injuries. Muscle pain and fatigue are the most common causes, but muscles can also develop spasms as a result of anxiety or stress, as well as trapped nerves.
Anxiety-related spasms are usually seen as facial tics or muscle twitches, while trapped nerves generally show themselves in back muscle spasms. Nerve disorders, diabetes, thyroid-related problems, and muscular conditions will also typically see more issues with these muscle spasms when they are left untreated and/or undiagnosed.
Age can also play a role in the development of muscle spasms. Older adults are more vulnerable, as are athletes and those who are overweight or obese and don’t exercise regularly. In addition to lifestyle changes and necessary medical treatment, adding medical marijuana can offer additional relief so that people can relax, sleep, and enjoy their day-to-day life without feeling like they can’t fully participate because of their condition.
Usually, on their own these aren’t anything to worry about. However, the concern is that they can be a sign of a neurological condition that has yet to be diagnosed. These conditions affect the brain, which is responsible for ensuring that the muscles move properly, so the resulting spasms may be an indicator of something bigger going on.
Symptoms of Muscle Spasms
Aside from the involuntary movement and “spasm” involved, some people who have muscle spasms will also experience tingling, numbness, aching, discomfort, or even a “buzzing” feeling in and around the muscles that are experiencing the involuntary spasms. Some people feel a small movement or twitch, while others feel like the entire muscle has cramped and is no longer moveable. Muscles can feel hard to the touch and sensitive after the spasm.
In the event that muscle spasms are part of a bigger health issue, they could come with symptoms like:
- Pain
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness
- Pins-and-needles sensations
- Tremors
- Paralysis
- Slow movement
- Poor coordination
- Trouble sleeping
- Mobility issues
- Vision issues (blurry or double vision)
Is Cannabis Good for Muscle Spasms?
Marijuana has proven to be an effective option to assist with relief from muscle spasms. For starters, cannabis contains exponential amounts of anti-inflammatory agents compared to the average OTC painkiller. It can alleviate pain, help reduce muscle stress and relax the body, and even alleviate some of the nerve pain that is associated with some muscle spasms.
THC delivers the anti-inflammatory and immune response, while the stimulation of the endocannabinoid system helps alleviate pain and spasms, as well. Further research is needed to learn more about how this works, but the anti-inflammatory response has been well-documented and is the main reason that so many states have legalized this as a qualifying condition.
Side Effects of Cannabis for Muscle Spasms
Cannabis doesn’t really have a lot of side effects, per se. This is why it’s the preferred choice for treating a lot of conditions like this that have little to no other effective cure or treatment options. Using marijuana can create side effects like:
- Increased appetite
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Memory and reaction time issues
- Mood changes
- Paranoia
Bear in mind that if you’re using the right type of cannabis for muscle spasms, you should avoid any serious adverse effects and find more benefits than not.
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