How can medical marijuana help with… SCOLIOSIS?

Definition of scoliosis.

Scoliosis is a medical condition that involves the deformation of spine. Normally the spine is allocated within a straight line, but in people with scoliosis, it can bear the form of a curve, or in severe cases, the “S” letter. Scoliosis may be either congenital (developed from birth) or idiopathic (acquired at young or elder age). Sometimes, scoliosis is a secondary to a primary condition.

Although a slight curve is allowed for a normal human spine, any curve over ten degrees is to be classified as scoliosis. The condition usually presents itself between age 10 and 15, unless it develops as a secondary symptom of another disorder. Symptoms of scoliosis may include uneven leg length, a prominent rib or shoulder blade, abnormal development of musculature on one side of the spine nerve conductivity disorders. Treatment for scoliosis depends on type and severity of the condition. The smaller the curve, the less discomfort it brings to the bearer, and the less treatment is required. More angled curves often require bracing or surgery.

How can medical marijuana help?

Obviously, scoliosis can be a painful condition for the sufferer - the more severe the spinal curve, the more pain and discomfort it usually brings. This often interferes with the patients’ daily activities and their enjoyment of life. Conventional treatment requires therapy, bracing or surgery - all of which are lengthy and painful procedures that may further decrease quality of life. Additionally, all of traditional treatment methods may cause inflammation within the spinal cord, surrounding ligament and groups of muscles. Anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as opiate-based painkillers, are frequently prescribed for scoliosis patients; however, most of them carry a high risk of developing a dependency as well as an array of other potentially negative side effects. Medical marijuana, with its clinically acknowledged analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, may be an alternate option for scoliosis patients that will not induce negative side effects of some traditionally prescribed treatments.