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Ankylosing spondylitis, or axial spondylarthritis, is a rare inflammatory disease that overtime causes vertebrae in the spine to fuse together. This makes the spine less flexible, and in turn, causes pain and stiffness - as well as affecting the person's breathing, and their posture. While these symptoms can be generally managed with conventional anti-inflammatories and painkillers, for some these methods are ineffective and so, they may be keen to explore alternative treatment methods for ankylosing spondylitis - medical cannabis being one of them.
Am I eligible?Ankylosing Spondylitis is a rare condition that is believed to affect between 0.05% and 0.23% of the population.
Self-reported data from patients with AS shows after administrating cannabis, pain scores reduce by an average of 32%.
In the UK, GPs typically only see 1 person each year that presents with new onset ankylosing spondylitis.
In the UK, the most common condition that is currently being treated with medical cannabis is chronic pain.
Anxiety and/or depression
Fatigue
Inflamed joints
Pain (especially back pain)
Sleep disruptions
Stiffness
Swelling
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms. Please speak with your GP to find out more.
In the UK, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are typically the first type of treatment prescribed to manage ankylosing spondylitis. For some, these may be paired with conjunctive analgesics and lifestyle adaptions for extra symptom management.
Celecoxib
Codeine
Corticosteroids
Diclofenac
Etoricoxib
Methotrexate
Naproxen
Sulfasalazine
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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"Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is lifelong inflammatory disease (arthritis) that primarily affects the spine and can cause severe, chronic pain and stiffness. If left untreated, it can cause fusion of the spinal joints (vertebrae), which can lead to irreversible changes in posture, restricted spinal movements and disability. Alongside conventional treatments, the potential benefits of medical cannabis for AS include: pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, muscle relaxation and improved sleep quality."
Research and Quality Director
Articles on Ankylosing spondylitis
11. 04. 2024
As part of our Experts explain series, we sat down with Dr Sue Clenton, an expert Oncologist and Specialist Consultant at Releaf, to speak about medical cannabis treatments and chronic pain.
11. 04. 2024
06. 09. 2023
If you are looking for a complementary pain management solution to add to your existing treatment plan, you are anything but alone. Right here in the UK, around 34% of the population (that's close to 15.5 million people) are affected by chronic pain. Chronic pain is an unwelcome passenger on the journey for many patients living with long-term medical conditions, and is a common symptom of countless diseases and illnesses.
06. 09. 2023
29. 09. 2023
With the introduction of medical cannabis here in the UK, patients are now able to access cannabis based medical products (CBMPs) in the treatment of pain. And while this is great news for many, the world of CBMPs can be daunting – especially when there are so many cannabinoids at play.
29. 09. 2023
In the UK, patients who have been unresponsive to traditional, licensed treatments that are used to treat and manage ankylosing spondylitis may be considered eligible for medical cannabis treatments at Releaf.
This is because of the effect cannabis-derived treatments can have on common symptoms people with ankylosing spondylitis encounter, such as pain, inflammation and disturbed sleep. The effects medical cannabis can have on inflammation and pain are well noted and evidenced, and scientific research in this area is extensive compared to cannabis’ other associated effects.
For example, in 2021 a systematic review that analysed 26 scientific articles concluded numerous chemicals contained within cannabis, including CBD and CBG, have anti-inflammatory properties, and these can be harnessed therapeutically.
Another case series published in 2023 analysed the responses of 3148 Australian patients who were using medical cannabis. Over 74% of those involved were using cannabis-derived treatments to manage their pain, and after commencing treatments, significant improvements were seen in all 8 domains of health included on the SF-36 health survey.
These domains are physical functioning, physical role limitations, bodily pain, energy and vitality, social functioning, emotional role limitations, and general health perceptions. It is important to note that medical cannabis is not a ‘cure all’ and it is not a suitable option for everyone. However, for those struggling with conventional treatments, medical cannabis may be an option worth considering. Find out if you may be eligible today.
