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Cannabis for Migraine Headaches by Peter Kershaw , contributing writer
Most of us will , from time to time , experience a headache . There are around 150 types of headaches , and gratefully , even though they ’ re never pleasant , most aren ’ t debilitating or long-lasting . Nor are the majority of headaches difficult to treat . Most headaches are “ tension headaches ” and classified as “ secondary ,” meaning they ’ re caused by underlying health considerations such as inadequate hydration , constipation , muscle stiffness ( particularly neck and shoulders ), emotional stress , inadequate sleep , anxiety , hangover , etc .
Migraine headaches are classified as “ primary ” headaches because migraines are medically classified as a disease . Migraines affect approximately 39 million or 12 % of the American population , making them the third most common illness in the world . Migraines cost the U . S . economy around $ 36 billion a year in healthcare costs and lost work productivity . Eight in ten migraine sufferers are women . Fluctuating estrogen levels during the monthly cycle are thought to be a significant triggering factor . 1 As is the case with other headaches , other factors that can trigger migraines are environmental toxins , food allergies , and even changing weather .
Migraines are far worse than merely a bad headache . Migraines are often debilitating , lasting several hours to several days . They may include nausea , vomiting , and sensory stimuli sensitivity ( e . g ., photophobia ). Around 15 to 20 % of migraine sufferers also experience “ auras ” such as :
● Blind spots in your vision .
● Seeing bright flashing dots , sparkles , or lights .
● Numb or tingling skin .
● Speech changes .
● Ringing in ears ( tinnitus ).
● Temporary vision loss .
● Seeing wavy or jagged lines .
● Changes in smell or taste .
● A “ funny ” feeling . Auras may last 10 to 60 minutes and typically precede the onset of a migraine . Auras serve as a warning of migraine onset . Auras can be rather frightening and are often misinterpreted as a stroke .
The allopathic establishment hasn ’ t been particularly helpful with identifying underlying causes of migraine . They broadly classify migraine as a neurological disease , the cause ( s ) of which is unknown . Many medical experts claim migraine is a genetic disorder because it
can run in the family . The medical establishment has , likewise , often failed migraine sufferers where it concerns treatment , let alone prevention . They have no cures for migraines , but they do offer a plethora of pills , most of which come with risky side effects .
Starting in my early 30s , I suffered for several years with periodic bouts of migraine headaches . My doctor , knowing my aversion to prescription drugs , recommended acetaminophen ( Tylenol ). After learning that long-term use causes liver damage , I switched to ibuprofen ( Advil ). But it , too , comes with its own complications . Moreover , neither one proved especially effective , and neither one will prevent migraines . I looked for more natural and effective options .
The greatest improvements I experienced were directly due to chiropractic adjustments , followed by physical therapy . My chiropractor , via X-ray examination , confirmed that my Atlas ( first cervical vertebra of the spine , which supports the skull ) was severely out of alignment . This was likely due to a whiplash injury I ’ d suffered in a rear-end accident . Thankfully , I was treated by an honest chiropractor and physical therapist ( not all of them are ). They were able to discharge me after only five treatments . Since then , I haven ’ t experienced another migraine , let alone the auras that often preceded them . Those results are consistent with what many others have achieved . 2 Unfortunately , the medical establishment views chiropractors as quacks and is loath to recommend them .
Like anyone else , I may still suffer from a headache from time to time , but the debilitating effects and degrees of pain I once experienced ( ranging from eight-10 ) are now no worse than a five . Rather than treating headaches with ibuprofen or acetaminophen , I use cannabis . Like millions of others , I ’ ve found cannabis to be effective not only in treating headaches but also preventing them . Headaches are one of the most common conditions for which medical marijuana is recommended by cannabis-friendly doctors .
Ethan Russo , M . D . notes that migraines “ display common clinical , biochemical , and pathophysiological patterns that suggest an underlying clinical endocannabinoid deficiency that may be suitably treated with cannabinoid medicines . 3 In other words , migraine patients may suffer due to a deficiency of endogenous cannabinoid production ( e . g ., anandamide ), which can benefit from regular supplementation with cannabis .