Chronic Pain
Spasticity medical cannabis treatment
Spasticity is an extremely uncomfortable and painful symptom of many health conditions. Usually associated with conditions that affect the central nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries and strokes, spasticity is caused by prolonged muscle contraction and abnormal muscle tightness. Although conventional treatments are available to treat spasticity, unfortunately they do not work for everyone. In these circumstances, cannabis derived spasticity treatments may be considered.
12 million
Over 12 million people around the world are affected by spasticity, including 80% of MS and CP patients.
49%
A 49% reduction was noted in spasticity after 12 weeks of cannabis-based medicinal product usage.
2/3
Our representative research found 2/3 of UK adults would consider medical cannabis treatments.
2.74
Medical cannabis improved spasticity 2.74 points more than a placebo on the Ashworth Scale, in a US trial.
Symptoms
Involuntary contractions
Involuntary movements
Muscle fatigue
Muscle spasms
Muscle stiffness
Pain
Tight muscles
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms. Please speak with your GP to find out more.
Treatment options:
Depending on the cause or severity of your spasticity, the NHS may offer you a range of different treatments. Non-surgical treatments may include a combination of therapy such as occupational therapy and physical therapy, Botox injections, and medications such as:
Baclofen
Benzodiazepines
Dantrolene sodium
Gabapentin
Imidazolines
Tizanidine
Join our growing community of over 240,000 people
Whether you’re new to cannabis-based medicines, switching from another medical cannabis clinic, or self-medicating, we’ll put you back in control of your health.
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A word from our specialist
"Spasticity, marked by muscle stiffness and spasms, often affects those with neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy or stroke. Medicinal cannabis may help reduce these symptoms by targeting the endocannabinoid system, providing relief from muscle rigidity and discomfort."
Dr Michal Modestowicz
Neurology
Articles on Spasticity
12. 07. 2023
Medical cannabis for the control of epilepsy and seizures
When applied as part of a tailored and managed treatment plan, medical cannabis has been shown to improve the overall control of epileptic seizures. In fact, it is the only non-pharmaceutical treatment option that has been approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in England for two exceedingly rare forms of epilepsy.
12. 07. 2023
10. 02. 2024
International Epilepsy Day 2026: medical cannabis access in the UK
International Epilepsy Day 2026 offers a timely look at epilepsy care in the UK. With over 630,000 people affected here in the UK, this guide explains how peoplle with epilepsy can legally acces medical cannabis treatment, along with seizure management research, and how legal frameworks continue to shape treatment options.
10. 02. 2024
14. 07. 2023
A comprehensive guide to cannabidiol and neurological disorders
Neurological disorders. Varied, potentially devastating, and hard to group into one easy-to-digest category. They are essentially diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system conditions and include epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer's disease and dementia, ALS, Bell's palsy, and a huge range of separate neuromuscular disorders.
14. 07. 2023
Are patients with spasticity eligible for medical cannabis treatments in the UK?
In the UK, if patients have been unable to meet their needs with conventional spasticity treatments, they may be considered eligible for cannabis-based treatments with Releaf.
This is because there are a number of therapeutic benefits associated with medical cannabis that may prove useful when treating spasticity. For example, when applied appropriately, medical cannabis has shown potential as a muscle relaxant, can assist in reducing inflammation and pain and improving sleep quality - all of which are common concerns for patients with spasticity.
However, unless prescribed by a specialist consultant for a legitimate medicinal purpose, cannabis remains illegal in the UK. By law, all therapeutic and medicinal applications of cannabis must be overseen by qualified healthcare professionals, like those that work for Releaf.
At Releaf, our team of expert consultants can prescribe medical cannabis spasticity treatments to those who have not responded to conventional treatments routinely prescribed by the NHS.
Using a patient-centred approach to healthcare, Releaf monitor cannabis-based treatment plans for efficacy and safety during regular check-in appointments, where they match up their patients to the doctor who has the most experience and expertise in managing their specific health condition.