Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a condition which causes severe, chronic pain, usually in one limb, after an injury. Medical cannabis can be prescribed to treat complex regional pain syndrome once at least two front-line medications or therapies have been tried.
Although medical cannabis for CRPS is not a cure, it can be taken to address some of these symptoms, and other co-occurring symptoms such as anxiety and sleep issues.
16,000
People in the UK are believed to be suffering from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
42/50
CRPS scores 42 out of 50 on the McGill pain scale, making it more painful than childbirth (40 out of 50)
Common
In the UK, the most common condition treated with cannabis-based treatments is chronic pain.
84%
Of those who took part in a US medical cannabis patient survey said cannabis was effective in managing pain.
Symptoms
Burning, stabbing or stinging pain
Changes to skin, hair, and nail health/appearance
Difficulty moving
Insomnia
Joint stiffness/swelling
Numbness
Severe, debilitating pain that feels continuous
Tingling
Tremors or muscle spasms
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms. Please speak with your GP to find out more.
Treatment options:
Typically, when treating complex regional pain syndrome, patients are recommended to try managing their symptoms or triggers with over the counter painkillers like paracetamol, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. In some cases, GPs may prescribe anticonvulsants or tricyclic antidepressants to treat nerve pain, and opioids may be considered for those with severe CRPS.
Amitriptyline
Codeine
Gabapentin
Morphine
Nortriptyline
Pregabalin
Psychological support (CBT)
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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“Many conditions that lead to chronic pain often respond poorly to conventional pharmaceutical medications. More and more is being understood about how the endocannabinoid system interacts with the more well-known pain pathways to work synergistically with these conventional medications. Chronic pain comes with a variety of associated symptoms such as poor sleep, fatigue, brain fog and reduced appetite – all of which treatment with medical cannabis can improve.“
Dr Sue Clenton
Medical Director
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
22. 09. 2023
Chronic back pain is one of the most common reasons that patients start looking into medical cannabis, but can it actually help? And, if so, can you access it within the UK?
The short answer is yes, medical cannabis may help to alleviate the symptoms of chronic back pain. It is also legally available in the UK to eligible patients, who can receive a prescription from a specialist.
22. 09. 2023
Core symptoms of CRPS include intense pain (often described as a burning, throbbing, or stabbing pain), heightened skin sensitivity, swelling and stiffness around the joints, and discolouration of the skin. There are two types of CRPS (commonly referred to as ‘type 1’ and ‘type 2’), but both are much the same in terms of symptoms and treatment options. Medical cannabis can be prescribed for both types of CRPS.
While many patients find relief from medications such as gabapentinoids, antidepressants and opioids, others do not, or would rather try a plant-based option. Medical cannabis offers a promising alternative, with many studies suggesting cannabinoids can help to ease many of the issues associated with CRPS. Some patients also choose to take medical cannabis alongside their current medication; however, this should only ever be done under close clinical guidance to avoid negative interactions or side effects.
Here’s everything you need to know about medical cannabis for CRPS.
Medical cannabis treatments, in the form of dried cannabis flower to vaporise, THC vapes, cannabis oil and cannabis pastilles, are available on prescription for CRPS via private clinics. It is not possible to access cannabis or cannabis-based medicines for complex regional pain syndrome on the NHS.
A recent study titled ‘UK Medical Cannabis Registry: A Clinical Outcomes Analysis for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome' suggests that cannabis could provide an effective treatment for CRPS. The results concluded that cannabis-based medicinal products offered pain relief and improved quality of life to CRPS patients.
Research regarding medical cannabis for sleep issues and muscle spasms is fairly comprehensive, as these symptoms occur widely across many conditions, including multiple sclerosis, for which cannabis can be prescribed on the NHS. Although MS is a different condition to CRPS, there are some crossover symptoms so the studies here may be used for context. Large clinical trials and reviews, alongside much anecdotal evidence, have found cannabis to improve muscle spasticity and pain in MS patients. Likewise, numerous studies have found that treatment with THC, CBD and other cannabinoids can help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer; however, high-dose chronic use of cannabis may have the opposite effect, while also suppressing REM sleep.
For the best results on pain, sleep, muscle spasms and mobility, cannabis products should be used under close clinical supervision with dose guidance.
CBD and THC both interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, and multiple other targets, but in different ways.
While CBD elevates levels of naturally produced endocannabinoids (neurotransmitters which activate the ECS receptors), THC fits like a lock and key into the ECS receptors found in the brain and spinal cord. This results in varying actions – including the psychoactive effect of THC (CBD is not psychoactive).
CBD is best known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, while THC has been found to help with chronic and nerve pain, easing muscle spasms, reducing nausea and helping with sleep issues short-term. THC also tends to be the cannabinoid with the greatest potential to produce adverse side effects.
Many studies find that CBD and THC are most effective for a wide variety of symptoms when used together, as they work in synergy, producing something called ‘the entourage effect’. CBD has also been found to mitigate some of the undesirable psychoactive effects of THC.
CRPS type 1 (formally known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) is a form of complex regional pain syndrome triggered by an illness or physical trauma where no specific nerve is damaged.
CRPS type 2 (formally known as Causalgia) develops after a confirmed injury to a specific nerve.
The symptoms and multi-disciplinary treatment options are much the same for both types.
A CRPS flare can occur as a result of physical stress, environmental changes (such as temperature or barometric pressure) or unusual activity. Other common triggers can include poor sleep, sensory stimuli, medication response or dietary changes. Medical cannabis for CRPS can help with some of the symptoms of a flare, and help reduce the likelihood of a flare by supporting better sleep and relaxation.
Medical cannabis can be prescribed as a CRPS treatment alongside other frontline medications such as gabapentinoids, antidepressants and opioids. However, it is vital to only take cannabis with medications under close clinical supervision due to potential interactions and side effects.
When you sign up for a consultation with Releaf, your medical records will be sent directly to our world-class clinical team so your consultant will already be aware of your current and past medication when advising on cannabis products and dose.
Although medical cannabis treatment in the UK is available as a treatment for many symptoms and conditions, it’s not suitable for everyone. Certain medications cannot be taken alongside medical cannabis, and people with a history of specific mental health and physical conditions might also be advised against it. As with all medicines, cannabis can cause side effects when taken without guidance.
To mitigate risk and side effects, all Releaf patients undergo a rigorous approval process before being prescribed cannabis products.
If you're interested in trying medical cannabis treatment for CRPS in the UK, getting assessed is easy. Take a look at how Releaf works, then fill in our medical cannabis eligibility checker to begin the approval process. All consultations are provided online, and your prescribed cannabis products will be delivered discreetly to your door.
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