Almost everyone experiences some kind of pain, unfortunately. Whether it’s just an effect of aging, the remnants of an injury, or just genetics playing their role, finding relief can make your quality of life much higher.
There are multiple paths that people can take to find pain relief, but depending on the reason why you’re hurting and the intensity of the pain it might be pretty difficult to find something that actually works.
Carefully considering your options can make a world of difference when it comes to the kind of relief that you get. Today, we’d like to take a look at some of the ways that people try to ease their pain as well as highlight the cannabis strains that we have here that are the best for helping relieve pain.
Ways That People Try to Relieve Their Pain
Before we look at the best strains that we have, let’s look at a few of the alternative paths that people try to take for pain relief. There are many, many paths that people try, and not all of the work, and even some of them are actively harmful.
Here are just a few of them:
- Exercise: Exercising can be a good solution, depending on the kind of pain and the kind of exercise. Many people consider yoga and calisthenics to be great options because they both have a heavy focus on flexibility, and a higher level of flexibility can help a lot with pain.
- Home Remedies: There are a million different home remedies on the market for pain relief. Some of them work, and some of them don’t. This category is highly subjective because not every home remedy will work for everyone, and in some cases, they’re just placebo.
- Over-The-Counter Medications: This category spans a lot of different products. Aspirin, Tiger’s Balm, etc. Some of these can be effective, and some of them cannot. It really depends on your physiology and the type of pain you’re experiencing.
- Warmth: Some people really enjoy using heat to their advantage. Whether that means a hot shower, the use of a heating pad, or something else entirely it’s a pretty popular option. It can be somewhat to very effective.
- Massage/Chiropractic: Massage and chiropractic are both very frequently used to help manage pain. Massages typically have more to do with the muscles and chiropractic has more to do with your bones. Depending on the practitioner, this can be pretty helpful.
- Eastern Practices: This would be a very long list if we covered everything that falls into this category, but the two big ones that most people do are known as acupuncture and cupping. Both of these practices claim to be able to help manage pain, but acupuncture is the only one of the two that has been researched enough to know for sure.
- Prescription Medication: This category is probably the most popular, and it has had some unfortunate side effects in our society. This path includes painkillers that are highly addictive and, if you’re reading this, there’s a good chance that you’re either trying to avoid this path or you’re trying to get off of this path.
These can all work well, but sometimes you need a little something extra to help you curb the pain. That’s why some people look towards cannabis.
How Cannabis Can Help with Pain
Cannabis has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for pain relief. It is now widely recognized as an effective alternative to traditional painkillers. The cannabis plant contains compounds called cannabinoids, which interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays a crucial role in regulating our physiological functions, including pain perception, mood, and appetite.
When we consume cannabis, the cannabinoids in the plant bind to receptors in the ECS, producing a range of therapeutic effects. Here are some of the ways cannabis can help with pain:
- Reduces inflammation: Cannabis has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and swelling, which can lead to pain relief.
- Blocks pain signals: Cannabis can interfere with the transmission of pain signals to the brain, reducing the perception of pain.
- Alters mood: Cannabis can help improve mood and reduce anxiety, which can also help with pain management.
- Enhances sleep: Cannabis can improve sleep quality, which can help with pain management, as sleep is essential for the body to heal and recover.
In addition to these effects, cannabis has also been shown to be effective in treating specific types of pain, such as neuropathic pain, which is caused by damage to the nerves. This type of pain can be particularly challenging to treat with traditional painkillers, making cannabis an attractive alternative.
Another advantage of using cannabis for pain relief is the potential for fewer side effects compared to traditional painkillers. Many prescription pain medications can cause dizziness, nausea, constipation, and other unwanted side effects, which can make it difficult to function normally. Cannabis, on the other hand, can provide pain relief with fewer side effects.
It is important to note that while cannabis can be an effective alternative for pain relief, it may not work for everyone. The effectiveness of cannabis can vary depending on factors such as the strain, dosage, and individual physiology. It is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.
Now, let’s take a closer look at some specific strains of cannabis that are particularly effective for pain relief.
Specific Cannabis Strains for Pain Relief
Not all cannabis strains are created equal when it comes to pain relief. Some strains may be more effective than others, depending on the type and intensity of pain you are experiencing. Here are five specific strains that have been reported to be effective for pain relief:
- Thunderstruck: This is a hybrid strain that is a cross between two popular AC/DC strains. It is known for its high CBD content, which makes it an excellent choice for pain relief without the psychoactive effects of THC. Thunderstruck is said to have a calming effect on the body, making it ideal for treating chronic pain.
- M.A.C. #1: This is a hybrid strain that is a cross between Alien Cookies F2 and Miracle 15. It has a balanced ratio of THC and CBD, making it an ideal choice for pain relief. M.A.C. #1 is known for its relaxing and uplifting effects, making it an excellent choice for treating pain while maintaining mental clarity.
- Grandpa’s Breath: This is an Indica-dominant strain that is a cross between OG Kush and Grand Daddy Purple. It is known for its potent sedative effects, making it an ideal choice for treating chronic pain and insomnia. Grandpa’s Breath is said to have a sweet, earthy aroma and a relaxing body high.
- Deep Fried Ice Cream: This is a hybrid strain that is a cross between Deep Breath and Ice Cream Cake. It has a high THC content, making it an ideal choice for treating acute pain. Deep Fried Ice Cream is known for its sweet, creamy flavor and relaxing effects.
- Dyno Candy: This is a Sativa-dominant strain that is a cross between Modified Mints and Mimosa. It is known for its uplifting and energizing effects, making it an excellent choice for treating pain while maintaining mental clarity. Dyno Candy is said to have a sweet, fruity flavor and a cerebral high.
While these five strains have been reported to be effective for pain relief, it is important to remember that everyone’s body chemistry is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Additionally, cannabis strains can vary widely depending on the source, growing conditions, and harvesting techniques, so it is important to do your research and purchase from a reputable source.
If you are new to using cannabis for pain relief, it is recommended that you start with a low dose and gradually increase it as needed. It is also important to talk to your healthcare provider before using cannabis to manage pain, especially if you are taking other medications or have underlying health conditions.
Overall, while cannabis can be a helpful tool for managing pain, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Experimenting with different strains and methods of consumption, such as smoking, vaping, or edibles, can help you find what works best for your unique needs.
The Right Relief for You
While cannabis may not be the right choice for everyone, it can be a good alternative for pain relief. Unlike traditional painkillers, cannabis is natural and has fewer side effects. It can also be helpful for people who are trying to avoid prescription medication or reduce their reliance on it.
However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience with cannabis is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Once again, if you’re considering using cannabis for pain relief, it’s essential to talk to your doctor or a qualified cannabis professional to find the best strain and dosage for your needs.
This will help ensure that you’re able to get as much of the relief that you need as possible without having to deal with some of the side effects of cannabis that some people find to be uncomfortable.
