Medical cannabis on mobility: Considerations for the colder months

Cold weather impact on chronic conditions 

The lower temperatures, lack of sunlight and shorter days can all take their toll on our health during the winter months. As well as the higher prevalence of coughs, colds and flu, there is an increased risk of more serious health issues such as chest infections and increased blood pressure.

The cold weather can also exacerbate existing health conditions and their symptoms. For example, joint pain, stiffness, and fatigue can worsen as the temperatures drop, making daily life more challenging for those with chronic illnesses. 

Cold weather and mobility

Many people struggle with the impact of seasonal changes on our health. For those with long-term health conditions, the increased severity of chronic pain and mobility limitations can profoundly impact their quality of life and mental wellbeing, leaving them more susceptible to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

The winter can be particularly challenging for those with conditions which already cause pain and mobility issues, such as Ehlers Danlos-syndrome and spondylolisthesis.

Cold temperatures can cause muscles to contract and joints to stiffen, making it harder to perform everyday tasks and engage in physical activity. Fatigue is another common symptom of mobility-related conditions, which can be exacerbated by the shorter days and colder nights, as well as disturbed sleep as a result of increased pain and discomfort from other symptoms.

Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

EDS is a group of inherited disorders affecting the connective tissue in the body. There are 13 types of EDS, most of which are rare. The most common is hypermobile EDS.

The NHS website says that common symptoms of hypermobile EDS include:

• joint hypermobility
• loose, unstable joints that dislocate easily
• joint pain and clicking joint
• extreme tiredness (fatigue)
• skin that bruises easily
• digestive problems, such as heartburn and constipation
• dizziness and an increased heart rate after standing up
• problems with internal organs, such as mitral valve problems or organ prolapse
• problems with bladder control (urinary incontinence)

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a condition which occurs when a vertebra slips out of place onto the vertebra below (but it’s not the same as a slipped disc!). It can happen anywhere along the spine, but is most common in the lower back.

According to the NHS, the main symptoms include:

• pain in your lower back, often worse when standing or walking and relieved when sitting or bending forward
• pain spreading to your bottom or thighs
• tight hamstrings (the muscles in the back of your thighs)
• pain, numbness or tingling spreading from your lower back down 1 leg (sciatica)

How medical cannabis could help

When traditional treatments fail to provide adequate relief, many patients are finding medical cannabis to be a helpful alternative. There is a growing body of evidence to support its safety and efficacy in a range of long-term health conditions. 

Its anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant, and pain-relieving properties make it particularly promising for mobility-related symptoms in conditions such as EDS and spondylolisthesis.

Medical cannabis and EDS

Patients with EDS have reported an improvement in their overall quality of life, following treatment with medical cannabis, including improved mobility and a reduction in chronic pain and other symptoms. 

Cannabis-based medicines have been found to reduce chronic pain and ease muscle tension and stiffness, which could reduce the likelihood of joint dislocations. Cannabis can also ease anxiety and help improve sleep, reducing the impact of fatigue during the day.

Expert insight

Dr Hanna Gul, Releaf’s Research and Quality Director and Board Certified Rheumatologist, explains: 

“Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited disorders affecting connective tissues, characterised by joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility and tissue fragility. Managing EDS can be challenging due to chronic pain, joint instability and other symptoms including those related to changes in blood pressure and increased heart rate, fatigue, cognitive disturbance and bladder/bowel disturbances. 

“Medical cannabis holds potential as a complementary treatment for pain management, muscle relaxation, improved sleep and reducing anxiety. EDS patients using medical cannabis often report improvements in these symptoms, in addition to improvement in overall quality of life.”

Spondylolisthesis and medical cannabis 

While there is little scientific research on medical cannabis in this specific condition, patients with spondylolisthesis may find medical cannabis helpful for reducing the severity of their chronic pain. 

Meanwhile, its anti-inflammatory properties could help reduce inflammation and alleviate nerve compression. Other effects reported by patients, such as improved sleep and reduced anxiety, could enhance their ability to function day-to-day and improve their overall quality of life.

Expert insight 

Dr Gul comments:

“Spondylolisthesis is a condition where one of the vertebrae in the spine slips out of place onto the vertebra below it. It can cause significant pain, nerve compression and mobility issues. Research has shown that medical cannabis can be beneficial for treating chronic pain and has anti-inflammatory properties for conditions like spondylolisthesis. Additionally, it can help with muscle relaxation and aid disturbed sleep and anxiety.”

Seasonal changes to your treatment plan 

Patients often find they have to adapt their treatment plan in order to effectively manage their symptoms as the weather changes. They may need to consider additional physiotherapy, adjusting medication dosages or other forms of therapy if colder temperatures exacerbate their symptoms.

Cannabis-based treatments are highly personalised and can be tailored to an individual’s unique needs, providing targeted relief as symptoms fluctuate. Releaf’s expert healthcare professionals, like Dr Gul, are always on hand to offer support and guidance to patients who may need to make changes to their treatment plan.

How do I get a prescription for medical cannabis?

If you’re looking for an alternative method to help manage your symptoms this winter, you can use Releaf’s free eligibility checker to see if medical cannabis treatment may be a suitable option. 

A team of expert clinicians will then review your application and if they feel it’s appropriate you will be invited to schedule an appointment with a specialist consultant.

During the initial consultation you will have the opportunity to discuss your symptoms and needs with the consultant and if they feel it’s suitable, they will issue your prescription and guide you through the next steps. 

To help put your mind at ease, Releaf also offers a money-back guarantee for all initial consultations in case anything chances. And you can always contact the patient support team for further support and guidance.