Chronic pain is a significantly common health condition experienced by many Australians, with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reporting as many as one in five. Chronic pain can manifest in many forms and affects each individual differently. Lasting a minimum of three to six months, chronic pain can negatively impact a person’s day to day life.

As a result, chronic or persisting pain should be treated as soon as possible to minimise its detrimental effects on an individual’s daily life. Treatments for chronic pain vary in effectiveness, with many requiring a trial and error system to help individuals better manage or resolve their pain symptoms.

From medication to relaxation techniques to complementary and alternative therapy, there are many treatment options available for chronic pain. Emerging studies are even considering the use of medicinal cannabis in caring for chronic pain. Read on to learn more.

What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for more than 12 weeks (three months). It can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, including arthritis, back problems, cancer, and nerve damage.

Chronic pain can be extremely debilitating, affecting a person’s ability to work, participate in activities they enjoy, and even sleep. Treatment for chronic pain often includes medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying problem.

There are many different types of chronic pain, each with its own set of symptoms and treatment options. Common types of chronic pain include:

• Arthritis pain: Arthritis is a common cause of chronic pain, especially among older adults. The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is a degenerative disease that affects the joints. Symptoms of arthritis pain include stiffness, swelling, and tenderness in the affected joints. Treatment typically involves medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes
• Cancer pain: Cancer pain can be caused by the tumor itself or by cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Symptoms of cancer pain vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, but may include fatigue, weight loss, and depression. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes
• Neuropathic pain: Neuropathic pain is caused by damage to the nervous system. Symptoms include burning, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the affected area. Treatment typically involves medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes

What are the Common Causes of Chronic Pain?

There are many different causes of chronic pain, and it can often be difficult to pinpoint the exact source.

However, some of the most common causes include of chronic pain include:

• Arthritis: Arthritis is a common cause of chronic pain, particularly in older adults. It’s a condition that causes inflammation and stiffness in the joints
• Back problems: Back problems, such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis, are a common source of chronic pain
• Cancer: Cancer can cause chronic pain due to the tumor pressing on nerves or due to cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy
• Chronic fatigue syndrome: Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme fatigue and musculoskeletal pain
• Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, as well as fatigue, sleep problems, and memory issues
• Headaches: Headaches, including migraines, can be a source of chronic pain
• Nerve damage: Nerve damage, such as that caused by diabetes or shingles, can lead to chronic pain
• Infections: Infections, such as those in the teeth or gums, can cause chronic pain
• Injury: An injury that doesn’t heal properly can lead to chronic pain
• Stress: Stress can worsen existing chronic pain

Pinpointing the exact cause of chronic pain can be difficult. In many cases, it is a combination of factors. However, once the cause is determined, treatment can begin.

What are the Symptoms of Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is a condition characterised by pain that persists for more than 12 weeks.

As a result, symptoms are mostly pain-related, although may also include:

• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating
• Weight loss or gain

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor so they can rule out other potential causes. For example, fatigue and difficulty concentrating could be signs of an underlying sleep disorder.

What are Treatments for Chronic Pain?

Treatment for chronic pain often begins with lifestyle changes, such as exercising and stress reduction. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may also be helpful.

For more severe chronic pain, your doctor may prescribe stronger medication, such as opioids. Opioids are a type of pain reliever that can have serious side effects, so they are typically only used when other treatments haven’t been effective.

In some cases, surgery may be an option. For example, if chronic pain is caused by a herniated disc, you may need to have the disc removed.

If lifestyle changes and medication aren’t effective, your doctor may also recommend other treatments, such as physical therapy or acupuncture. Complementary and alternative medicines such as Traditional Chinese Medicine may also help with chronic pain. In recent years, medicinal cannabis has also come into consideration as a potential care option for chronic pain. However, more research is required before it can be used as a primary treatment method.

Medicinal Cannabis and Chronic Pain

Medicinal cannabis is a plant-based medicine that has been used to treat a variety of conditions for centuries. The main active components in cannabis are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is known to have pain-relieving properties, and cannabidiol (CBD), which is known to have anti-inflammatory properties.

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in using medicinal cannabis to treat chronic pain. CBD in particular is thought to be beneficial for treating chronic pain, as it does not have the psychoactive effects that THC does and may help reduce pain levels.

There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that medicinal cannabis may be effective in treating chronic pain. A systematic review published in the Australian Journal of General Practice found that there was some evidence to suggest that cannabinoids are promising in the management of chronic pain, especially when taken in more accessible forms such as oils, sprays, and capsules.

However, the authors cautioned that more research is needed before medicinal cannabis can be recommended as a treatment as the long-term effects of medicinal cannabis products are not clearly understood. As of current, the Australian Government regulates the ability for medical practitioners to prescribe medicinal cannabis and access medicinal cannabis products under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

FAQs - Medicinal Cannabinoids for Chronic Pain

Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions concerning legal medicinal cannabis products and how they may care for chronic pain.

What’s the meaning of medicinal cannabis?

Medicinal cannabis, also known as medical marijuana, is a type of medication used to treat various conditions and illnesses. The main active ingredients in a medicinal cannabis product are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD is the non-intoxicating compound found in a cannabis plant, while THC is the main psychoactive ingredient responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis use.

What is medicinal cannabis used for in Australia?

In Australia, doctors are prescribing medicinal cannabis for a number of conditions. According to the Positive Choices Organisation, these conditions include:

• Cancer pain
• Symptoms (such as vomiting) from chemotherapy (a cancer treatment).
• Severe seizures (caused by epilepsy)
• Muscle spasticity and pain due to multiple sclerosis
• Nerve pain

Most medicinal cannabis products are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Access (for medical professionals) to an appropriate medicinal cannabis product is also only granted through the  Special Access Scheme (for a particular patient), Authorised Prescriber Scheme (for a particular group of patients), or Clinical Trial Scheme (for a particular group of patients).

What are chronic pain examples?

There are many different types of chronic pain, but some common examples include:

• Arthritis pain
• Upper or lower back pain
• Cancer pain
• Fibromyalgia pain
• Headache or migraines
• Nerve damage pain
• Post-surgical pain
• Shingles pain

The level and severity of pain are different in each individual and can range from mildly annoying to debilitating. As a result, it’s important to work with a healthcare team to develop a pain management plan that’s tailored to your specific needs.

What are five diseases that could be the cause of chronic pain?

There are many different diseases and conditions that can cause chronic pain, but the most common five may be arthritis, cancer, fibromyalgia, shingles, and migraines. However, it is worth noting that there are many other potential causes of chronic pain such as nerve damage, and surgery after effects. If you are experiencing chronic pain, it is important to consult with a medical professional to discuss your specific case and diagnose your condition.

What is the most common chronic pain condition?

The most common chronic pain condition is arthritis. Arthritis pain can be caused by many different types of arthritis, but the most common form is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down. This can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints.