BACK PAIN

For many patients, Cannabis is able to provide rapid and safe relief from upper, middle, and lower back pain caused by degeneration, or similar spine disease or injury. These results have been documented in scientific literature, with multiple peer-reviewed studies that demonstrate marijuana’s pain-relieving effects. Medicinal marijuana has consistently been shown to significantly outperform placebo effects. Below are just a few examples of the many studies that have demonstrated marijuana’s efficacy in pain management:

 
● In a 2008 study published in Neuropsychopharmacology, “[Pain relief was significantly greater with [Cannabis than placebo. The proportion of subjects achieving at least 30% pain relief was again significantly greater with [C]annabis (46%) compared to placebo (18%).”
● In a 2009 study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, “Twice as many patients taking THC:CBD,” which are two of the more extensively studied active ingredients (cannabinoids) in marijuana, “showed a reduction of more than 30% from baseline pain... when compared with placebo (23 [43%] vs. 12 [21%]).”
● In a 2014 study published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, over 48% of patients reported that Cannabis reduced their joint pain, such as pain in the shoulder joints.
● In a 2014 study published in the Hawai’i Journal of Medicine & Public Health, “Average reported pain relief from medical cannabis was substantial. Average pre-treatment pain on a zero to ten scale was 7.8, whereas average post-treatment pain was 2.8, giving a reported average improvement of five points. This translates to a 64% average relative
decrease in pain.”

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Cannabis relieves back pain by activating pain-modulating CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are located throughout your body but primarily in the brain. These receptors are activated by chemical compounds called cannabinoids, which naturally occur in Cannabis. One of these cannabinoids is THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). When cannabinoids interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are part of your body’s natural endocannabinoid system, the result is a rapid and temporary alteration of your perceptions, including your perception of pain. As a result, many patients report that marijuana makes it easier for them to
cope with and manage even severe physical discomfort.

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FIBROMYALGIA

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition categorized by a widespread musculoskeletal pain and extreme sensitivity to pressure. The root cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown today. We have discovered that interruptions in sensory pathways, spinal cord, and nerves cause patients to suffer from abnormal and intense pain sensations.
 

How can Medical Marijuana Help Fibromyalgia?
 

Symptoms of fibromyalgia include pain, fatigue, sleep deprivation, and mood instability or depression. These symptoms can be effectively treated and supplemented with medical marijuana. Medical marijuana is able to help aid these symptoms because of the organic chemical compounds that make up the plant called cannabinoids. Cannabinoids mimic the body’s own naturally produced
endocannabinoid receptors which regulate many body systems including but not limited to pain appetite, mood and memory.
 

Studies have shown that many patients suffering with fibromyalgia can find relief with the use of medical cannabis. Multiple cannabinoids are known to specifically reduce or minimize symptoms many fibromyalgia patients experience. One cannabinoid is THC. THC can significantly reduce or even eliminate pain and nausea while helping to improve mood and restful sleep.
 

If you or a loved one are suffering with pain from fibromyalgia it may be time to try medical marijuana. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Jerabek please call our office at (217) 954-1408.

PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating mental health condition that is commonly diagnosed in military veterans, sexual abuse survivors, survivors of natural disasters, or survivors of any other traumatic, violent events. PTSD can have a tremendous effect on the sufferer. PTSD can cause flashbacks, nightmares, increased stress and tension which can lead to depression and a loss of interest in activities one might have enjoyed in the past. With PTSD your quality of life is poor. It may feel hard to relax, to get restful sleep, to let go of self blame or find peace and stability in your emotions.
 

There are many positive treatment plans for people who suffer from PTSD, like therapy and medication. Considering medical marijuana to help with PTSD is also a positive treatment idea. Cannabis acts on the part of your brain that regulates mood and memory. Cannabis can provide safe, gentle relief from PTSD symptoms. They can effectively reduce depression as well as relieve anxiety while promoting restful sleep, increased relaxation and a healthy appetite. These effects of medical marijuana can help heal PTSD patients both physically and emotionally by helping them cope with symptoms and improving their overall quality of life.
 

To learn more about treating PTSD with Cannabis please contact our office at (217) 954-1408.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Medical Marijuana Can Help Arthritis

Arthritis affects approximately 52.5 million adults in the United States. While there are several different types of arthritis, only Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is considered a qualifying condition in Illinois. Medical marijuana can be used to alleviate symptoms of RA. This condition causes impairments in joint function, tenderness, swelling and stiffness which can make it painful or difficult
to work, do hobbies, or perform simple physical activities.

How Medical Marijuana Can Help

Marijuana contains chemical compounds which are known as “cannabinoids.” The most common cannabinoid is Tetrahydrocannabinol, or, as you probably know it, THC. When you consume marijuana the THC and other cannabinoids quickly begin to interact with systems in your body that play a vital role in human physiology, helping to maintain internal stability, regulate your nervous system, immune system, and functions of various organs. Marijuana has the ability to alter your pain by decreasing inflammation, relaxing muscles, and alleviating stiffness.
 

To discuss medical marijuana for rheumatoid arthritis in a consultation with Dr. Jerabek, please contact us at (217) 954-1408.

PARKINSON'S

Every year, hundreds of thousands of patients are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the United States. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease which slowly decreases dopamine levels by destroying nerve cells. Some symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include muscle tremors, uncomfortable stiffness, and depression. Medical marijuana (cannabis) may be helpful for symptoms of Parkinson's. Medical studies have shown that Cannabis can effectively reduce pain, promote muscle relaxation, and improve mood. By incorporating marijuana into your treatment plan, you can experience greater physical comfort and emotional stability in your day to day life.

To speak with a doctor about treating the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease with medical Cannabis,
contact us at (217) 954-1408.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Medical Marijuana for Multiple Sclerosis

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Multiple Sclerosis is a debilitating autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system by damaging the insulation surrounding the nerves of the central nervous system. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, about 2.3 million people suffer from MS. Hundreds of thousands of new cases arise each year in the United States. The damage to the Central Nervous System disrupts the communication between the brain and the body which can cause an array of symptoms including back pain, uncomfortable tingling or burning sensations, and cramping, rigid muscles.MS is incurable, however symptoms can be alleviated by medications. Unfortunately, in most patients these medications fail to deliver significant relief for a large number of patients who suffer with MS. Medical Marijuana may be able to provide additional relief so you can experience a greater degree of comfort in your day to day life.

Is Medical Marijuana a Treatment for MS?

While the disease is currently incurable, it would be misleading to say that Medical Marijuana can serve as a treatment for MS. However, what medical marijuana can do is increase your comfort by relaxing your muscles, decreasing the perception of your pain, and improving mood. These benefits can make it easier to work, socialize, and engage in hobbies, all which contribute to an overall better quality of life.
While each patient experiences different effects of medical marijuana, the primary trend is that marijuana can temporarily help with the following: improved ability to relax and sleep, increased appetite and interest in food, reductions in depression and anxiety, as well as reductions in the perception of physical pain and muscle tightness.

If you or one of your family members has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and isn’t satisfied with the degree of relief the current treatment plan is providing, it may be time to consider incorporating medical Cannabis into the plan of care. To talk about whether medical marijuana could be right for you, contact our office at (217) 954-1408.

ALS

 Medical Marijuana for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)

ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. ALS is a disease of the nervous system. This disease gradually causes increasing muscle weakness and stiffness, which can become extremely uncomfortable for the patient. As of 2017, the only medication that is FDA-approved is a prescription called Rilutek (riluzole). This leaves those patients who respond poorly to Rilutek, or those who see limited benefits of using Rilutek essentially no alternative prescriptions. Medical marijuana may be able to provide relief quickly to patients with ALS. In studies about treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with medical marijuana, numerous ALS patients have reported decreased muscle spasticity, reduced pain, reduced drooling, and improved mood and appetite while using cannabis therapeutically.

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How does Medical Marijuana help with ALS?

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Just like when you have a headache, you might reach to Tylenol or Advil for relief. These drugs work because they contain chemical compounds called active ingredients. Marijuana has their own set of chemical compounds as well. So far, 85 different cannabinoids have been identified, one being a well known cannabinoid called THC. When you experience pain, signals are sent to and from your brain. When you use cannabis, THC, and other cannabinoids that stimulate the receptors in the brain, you get the effects such as increased appetite, elevated mood, and decreased perception of physical pain. While these effects are temporary, the therapeutic benefits have been shown to help ease symptoms.
 

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease, medical marijuana may be a beneficial treatment option to consider. To learn more, contact us at (217) 954-1408.

CANCER

Medical Marijuana for Cancer Treatment in Illinois

Cancer is a well known illness that affects over 1.5 million Americans each year. While chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery remain the most effective methods of fighting cancer, and have saved or extended countless lives, they can also have debilitating effects on the patient, making the effects of the underlying cancer even more difficult to cope with. If you or a loved one is a cancer patient in Illinois, medical marijuana may be able to gently and effectively reduce pain and nausea while improving your mood, appetite, and quality of sleep. Overall, medical marijuana may help to increase your comfort and experience a better quality of life.

Can Marijuana Cure Cancer?

The idea that marijuana can cure cancer is, unfortunately, untrue. It’s important for cancer patients to understand that Cannabis is not a simple “cure” for cancer, and ideally, should be used in conjunction with radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, medication, and other treatments as directed by your oncologist. However, there is some truth in the statement. Peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that marijuana’s active ingredients, which are called “cannabinoids,” such as THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), appear to have cancer-fighting properties with regard to certain types of tumors. All in all, though marijuana is not necessarily a cure for cancer, although THC and other cannabinoids do appear to have demonstrable cancer-fighting properties. How Does Marijuana Relieve Cancer Effects? In addition to the “cannabinoids,” like THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), that appear to have cancer-fighting properties, marijuana can help with a number of different side effects associated with radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy. Cannabis can drastically and effectively reduce or counter the following: anxiety, depression, lack of appetite, insomnia, nausea, pain. The side effects of Cannabis are slim to none, the worst being temporary dry mouth and increased drowsiness.

To learn more about how medical marijuana may be able to provide relief from your cancer-related pain and nausea, call our office for a consultation with Dr. Jerabek.