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Multiple Sclerosis can be beyond frustrating for those who suffer from the condition. MS patients experience an array of symptoms as their immune system turns against them, attacking nerve fibers, causing communication problems between the brain and the rest of their body.
There is no cure for Multiple Sclerosis, and medical science can’t seem to find a treatment that works for all patients. Although a cure has yet to be found for this chronic disease, many Missourians with MS have discovered having a medical marijuana card can make dealing with symptoms easier when a relapse occurs.
A flare-up can occur at any time, disrupting plans and affecting relationships with those who don’t understand what MS patients are going through. Medication can be expensive, and sometimes, may not even be effective. A multitude of MS patients across the nation are discovering cannabis to be a natural alternative that allows them to treat symptoms and make life more manageable.
Of course, it is important to consult a medical professional before adding marijuana to your treatment plan. Even if your physician hasn’t mentioned the benefits of cannabis, it is worth bringing it up. They may not realize you are open to the option of medical marijuana.
The Invisible Illness
Many people living with Multiple Sclerosis seem perfectly fine to those around them. Their symptoms aren’t outwardly apparent, which has led to the disease sometimes being referred to as “the invisible illness.”
Sometimes, MS patients are hit by “a fatigue that feels sometimes totally overwhelming.” Because people can’t see the fatigue, pain, and cognitive problems that MS patients deal with, they sometimes get accused of faking their symptoms. Other times, those close to MS patients might equate their extreme fatigue to their own sense of being tired after a long day, not realizing this is exhaustion on a completely different level.
What are the primary symptoms of MS?
The signs and symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis may vary from person to person throughout their experience with the disease. This depends on the location of the affected nerve fibers in their body. According to The Mayo Clinic, “some people with severe MS may lose the ability to walk independently or at all, while others may experience long periods of remission without any new symptoms.”
Additional symptoms that MS patients may experience include:
Numbness or a loss of strength in one or more limbs (this usually occurs on one side of your body at a time, or your legs and trunk)
Certain neck movements may cause electric-shock sensations
Tremors
Lack of coordination, loss of balance, or an unsteady gait
Loss of vision (partial or complete) - typically in one eye at a time, often with painful eye movements
Blurry and sometimes double vision for a prolonged period of time
Slurred speech
Extreme fatigue
Dizziness
Tingling
Problems with sexual function
Bladder malfunctions
How can cannabis treat MS symptoms?
If you are considering treating your MS symptoms with medical marijuana, you are not alone. A recent survey conducted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society found that 66 percent of MS patients currently use cannabis for symptom treatment.
Medical marijuana can help with several symptoms. A team of researchers at the Consortium of MS Centers in Tennessee recently published their findings from a study treating MS patients with cannabis. They found marijuana may help reduce symptoms of spasticity (when muscles become stiff and difficult to move).
Cannabis is also an effective sleep aid, which can help when additional Multiple Sclerosis symptoms lead to insomnia. The extra sleep can give MS patients a fighting chance when it comes to battling MS-related fatigue.
Researchers also concluded supplementing with CBD could help with MS-related pain and fatigue and may also help with mobility. A separate study, conducted by the University of California San Diego School of Medicine concluded that cannabis also helped those suffering from excessive MS-related muscle contractions.
Ardra Shepard is a Multiple Sclerosis patient who recounted her experience treating her own MS with medical marijuana in an article for Healthline. She stated, “While I haven’t been able to eliminate my pain and spasticity entirely, I have found a cannabis dose and product that has reduced these symptoms in a meaningful way.”
She goes on to say, “I’m happy to report that most nights, CBD/THC oil allows me to sleep better. What’s more, I’ve been able to stop taking two conventional pain medications.” Shepard is in good company with many other Americans who have used cannabis to stop taking prescription pain meds.
If you are a Missourian who is living with MS, cannabis treatments may be the key to making managing your symptoms easier. It’s worth talking to a medical professional to discuss your options when it comes to treating your MS with cannabis.
Natural relief is waiting for you.
With a medical marijuana card, you’ll be able to experience the natural relief that over 135,000 Missouri card holders are benefitting from. Our medical staff is standing by to take you through a quick and easy evaluation to see if you qualify for a Missouri medical marijuana card. Schedule an appointment with a marijuana doctor online by CLICKING HERE, or give us a call at (877) 303-3117 to talk to a patient support representative.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Missouri Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (877) 303-3117, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Missouri Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Missouri
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