Cannabis 'may treat spinal cord injury symptoms'RSS Feed

Medical cannabis may be an effective treatment for easing the symptoms of certain spinal cord injuries, it is suggested.

There is a growing body of scientific evidence that the drug can have a positive effect on musculoskeletal and nerve pain from spinal injury and degeneration, according to Dr Ahimsa Porter Sumchai, writing for the San Francisco Bay View.

She stated that studies performed by San Francisco General Hospital, the University of California, San Francisco and the University of California, San Diego "support the role of medical cannabis in treating symptoms of back pain safely in people who do not have to drive, operate heavy machinery or work in public safety positions".

However, Dr Sumchai added that the best thing people can do to treat and prevent back pain is to lose weight, as the obesity epidemic is directly linked to the increasing prevalence of the condition.

Meanwhile, a study published in the online journal Public Library of Science Medicine has suggested that obese men who are involved in car accidents are at an increased risk of suffering severe spinal cord injuries.

Serious Law, leading spinal cord injury solicitors

Spinal cord injury patient 'determined to get back to work'

12 April 2010

A woman who suffered a spinal cord injury has spoken of her determination to get back on her feet and back to work.Nicola Shipway, a police community support officer, was riding her bike when a car sped...

Read More...

Spinal cord injury patients 'can use Botox'

09 April 2010

Botox may be well known among the general public as a cosmetic product, but it is believed that the "natural poison" could be an effective treatment for spasticity in patients with spinal cord...

Read More...

Spinal cord injury soldier in Marathon charity challenge

08 April 2010

A British soldier who suffered spinal cord injuries while serving in Iraq is set to raise funds for 26 charities by competing in this year's London Marathon.Major Phil Packer last year walked the marathon...

Read More...