Every year, scientists are discovering more and more about the many therapeutic properties of cannabis. From helping to manage pain to put you to sleep at night, the herb is now the latest buzzword for treating an array of mild to severe health conditions. However, does it pack enough of a punch to combat cystitis or more general painful bladder syndrome?
Early studies indicate that cannabis therapy, or at least the use of cannabinoid extracts, might prove highly effective at relieving this condition. Evidence suggests that both tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, and cannabidiol, or CBD, play active roles in alleviating symptoms. Furthermore, research proves other cannabinoids, terpenes, and even flavonoids all with helpful benefits too.
What is Painful Bladder Syndrome?
Bladder pain syndrome, or cystitis, is a broad categorization of any painful swelling of the urethra and bladder. It can have any number of causes, with urinary tract infections the most common in women, which include adverse reactions to spermicides, medications, radiation, and other contaminants and irritants. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, immune issues are most likely to blame.
There is a persistent need to urinate, often accompanied by pain or burning. The urge is frequent, the urine sometimes bloody. Pelvic discomfort is likely, along with a dull pressure in the lower abdomen. It makes sex painful. It interrupts sleep. These and other symptoms of cystitis can cause enormous stress for sufferers. What is more, it often associates with a few mental health woes.
Common Treatments for Painful Bladder Syndrome
Antibiotics are the prescribed choice of most doctors for treating UTI-caused cystitis. However, if caused by medications, radiation, or other factors, treatment takes a variety of different approaches. Interstitial cystitis is the most difficult to treat. It is also the form of painful bladder syndrome with seemingly the most therapeutic potential to gain from cannabis therapy.
Interstitial cystitis is incurable. According to the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, no treatment exists that works for everybody. Not one. Instead, sufferers must find a way to manage its symptoms and learn to live with its effects. Many drugs make life easier, but they come with their own horde of risky side effects.
Nobody knows the exact causes of painful bladder syndrome, but contributing suspects include allergies, autoimmune issues, genetic predisposition, and even tissue defects. Most diagnoses occur when patients are in their 30s. Prescribed medications are scary, and include pentosane polysulfide sodium, antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, and even non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs.
None of these drugs is safe from side effects. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, stomach ulcers are a common consequence of NSAIDs. Pentosane polysulfide sodium causes easy bruising, even bleeding, and it triggers adverse reactions like vision loss and extreme rash. Dependence is another worry. How safe is cannabis? Does it interfere with existing treatment options?
Cannabis Effects on Painful Bladder Syndrome
Studies into the effects of cannabis on interstitial cystitis are incredibly rare, almost non-existent. Despite this, many other studies show the herb highly effective at relieving similar symptoms in other health conditions. According to the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, THC alleviated pain significantly in a 2003 case study of a young woman with severe interstitial cystitis.
More recently, the U.S. National Library of Medicine published a study in 2014 that tested cannabinoids on drug-induced painful bladder syndrome in rodents. A cannabinoid receptor agonist lowered bladder inflammation in mouse models and reduced pain notably. Other pre-clinical studies are also finding these receptors active in the bladder. In fact, they are proving essential in all bladder functions.
Cannabinoid receptors act much like locks. Cannabinoids are the keys. They engage with receptors directly, influencing them to perform their specific tasks. This is what makes cannabinoids so therapeutically valuable, this ability to affect healing naturally from within. Despite lacking studies on cannabis and cystitis, the herb offers other helpful benefits for those suffering this condition:
Cannabis is Anti-Inflammatory
Both THC and CBD have anti-inflammatory properties, which are potent in both psychoactive and non-psychoactive states. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, marijuana has immuno-modulated value, and it might even lower immune-mediated damage to essential organs, such as the liver. For autoimmune-caused painful bladder syndrome, this inflammation buster proves beneficial.
Cannabis is Analgesic
Chronic pain is a leading motivation for visiting a marijuana dispensary in Santa Barbara. In fact, it is a primary reason for medical use across the world. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, opioid overdose rates are lower in states with legal laws. Its painkilling properties are legendary, with millions already using it effectively to manage neuropathic and inflammatory pain.
Cannabis is Antidepressant
Marijuana improves quality of life in several ways. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, it enhances mood, elevating sufferers from anxiety- and depression-related troubles. It also improves sleep, itself a known trigger of mental woes. This makes the condition easier to bear and boosts the quality of life significantly. Patients can also use the right strains for an energetic buzz were needed too.
Marijuana Dispensary Santa Barbara
Sadly, the studies on marijuana and cystitis remain pitifully few. However, despite this, its many known medicinal properties prove mightily useful in the treatment of bladder pain syndrome, especially for those looking for new therapeutic alternatives. Before you type “weed delivery near me” into your search bar, just take a moment to do some research first.
Bladder pain syndrome qualifies you for medical marijuana in California. You can find special discounts, carefully bred strains, and greater access to quality at a licensed marijuana dispensary in Santa Barbara. Just be sure to check reviews before parting with your money, and discuss a proper dosage schedule for cannabinoid therapy with your doctor, as well. He or she can tailor your treatment accordingly.
Oh! Good, didnt know it could help with that
Nice, happy to see Cannabis does more, then just get you high 🙂
Cannabis is amazing
Learn something new every day!!