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Back problems are the single leading cause of disability. In fact, back pain is one of the most common reasons why most people miss work. Research shows that one half of all working Americans admit to having back pain every year.
In a year, back pain accounts for more than 264 million lost workdays. That translates to two workdays for all full-time workers in the US. Most people with back pain recover; however, for a small percentage of people, the condition becomes chronic.
If you live in California, we have some good news for you. You can get a California medical marijuana card for back pain.
Does Back Pain Qualify for Medical Marijuana in California?
If you are suffering from back pain, you can get some relief by using medical marijuana. But to buy some for use, you need a California medical marijuana card. Nearly every adult has back pain at some point in life. It can happen due to an inactive lifestyle or as a result of aging.
Most people experience incapacitating back pain that it gets in the way of their daily lives. As such, most lose their jobs and wages. Research shows that low back pain costs Americans at least $50 billion in health care costs annually. When you add in decreased productivity and lost wages, the figure increases to $100 billion.
What Causes Back Pain?
The back is made up of bones, ligaments, joints, and muscles. If you sprain your muscles, rupture a disk, sprain your ligaments or irritate your joints, they can lead to back pain. Besides the above causes, back pain can also be caused by accidents and sports injuries.
Even the simplest of moves can result in back pain. Did you know that 9 out of 10 patients suffering from back pain do not know the primary cause?
Symptoms that patients may experience include:
- Aching down the legs
- Nausea
- Swelling on the back
- Inflammation
- Strain on the back
What Forms of Back Pain Exist?
There are two forms of back pain:
- Acute
- Chronic
A sudden injury often causes acute low back pain to the ligaments and muscles supporting the back. The pain is usually caused by a strain or tear to the ligaments and muscles. Causes of acute low back pain include:
- Fracture of the spinal cord
- Cancer involving the spine
- Muscle spasm
- Compression fractures to the spine
- Sciatica
- Ruptured disk
- Spinal stenosis
- Spine curvatures like kyphosis
Acute low back pain can last for less than three months, but it can be chronic if not treated early.
Chronic low back pain is age-related, but a prior injury can also cause it. The most common causes of chronic low back pain include:
- Herniated or bulging disc
- Spinal stenosis
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Arthritis of the spine
In some cases, it can be challenging to pinpoint the exact cause of chronic low back pain. So, if your doctor exhausts all diagnostic options, it’s time to seek a second opinion.
How Is Lower Back Pain Diagnosed?
The first step is to take note of your symptoms. Can you feel any swelling on your back? Are you experiencing any aching down the legs or strain to your back? These and others are the symptoms you need to take note of.
Next, schedule an appointment with your doctor. At the doctor’s office, he will ask you specific questions. This will help him gain a better understanding of your condition. Questions may include:
- Intensity of pain
- Location of pain
- Your medical history
Once your doctor learns of your symptoms and medical history, he will make recommendations to get you back to full health. One of those recommendations is medical marijuana.
Can Cannabis Work for Acute and Chronic Back Pain?
Cannabis has been used by ancient cultures to cure all manner of health conditions thanks to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Today, we have evidence that proves cannabis is an effective treatment for lower back pain. So, can cannabis work for acute and chronic back pain. Yes, it can.
In a 2016 study, researchers sought to determine the effect of medical cannabis on chronic low back pain, lumbar range of motion, and sciatica. The study involved 46 patients. Each got evaluated for medical cannabis therapy over 12 months.
The patients received 20 grams of medical marijuana for six months. They smoked it at a recommended rate of 4 doses a day. Researchers observed that short-term usage of medical cannabis decreased pain levels for chronic low back pain sufferers.
In another study at the University of Colorado’s Spine Center, researchers looked at 200 patients, but only 184 participated. In the study, researchers requested that the participants smoke medical marijuana no more than two times a day.
Of the 184 participants, 89% said medical marijuana greatly relieved their back pain. Over 81% said it worked better than narcotic painkillers.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card for Back Pain in California
If you suffer from low back pain and want to use medical marijuana as a treatment option, you need to get a California medical marijuana card. Under Proposition 215, patients and caregivers who possess or cultivate marijuana for medical purposes are exempt from criminal laws.
Because of this act and Senate Bill 420, California is one state that allows marijuana for medical treatment. To get a California Medical Marijuana Card Online, you need to speak to a licensed physician. You schedule an appointment or chat online
The doctor will request your medical history as well as give you a diagnosis. If the diagnosis shows that you suffer from acute or chronic back pain, the doctor will recommend medical cannabis for you.
You will get a California medical marijuana card, and once you do, you can buy cannabis from local dispensaries.
If you are a primary caregiver, you can get your ID card too. You need to have the following at the interview:
- Proof of identity ( US passport or California driver’s license)
- MMIC fee
Also, the primary giver will have to fill Section 4 of the application.Cancel