New research, published in the journal Nature Medicine, found that patients with lower back pain who took a cannabis-based drug experienced modest pain relief. The drug appears not to be addictive or have serious side effects — a change from many of the current options.

Toronto

A recent study conducted by German researchers has found that a cannabis-based drug containing a significant amount of THC may help reduce chronic lower back pain. The study involved over 800 participants, with about half receiving the cannabis extract. After 12 weeks, those in the cannabis group experienced a modest reduction in pain, with some reporting a 30% to 50% decrease, especially among those with nerve-related pain.

The drug was generally well tolerated, with sleepiness and dizziness as the most common side effects, and did not show signs of addiction. However, the drug has not yet been approved for use in North America, and experts emphasize that more research is needed to assess its long-term effectiveness and safety. Doctors also note that comprehensive pain management should include approaches beyond medication, such as exercise and physical therapy.

Cannabis-based drug may reduce lower back pain, research suggests

And exhale once you're up there, good. Chronic lower back pain. It's common, but complicated to treat. And sometimes debilitating. There are some times where it hurts so much just that you can get out of bed and have to log roll and get out. Now a new study suggests a cannabis-based drug could help. German researchers studied more than 800 people with low back pain, giving about half the group a cannabis extract with a large THC component. The compound that makes people high. After 12 weeks, researchers found the cannabis group saw a modest reduction in pain. A number of patients experienced such a 30% or 50% reduction of pain. Those with nerve pain felt the most relief, say researchers. This is important because patients with a neuropathic component of pain are often much more difficult to treat. Other than sleepiness and dizziness, the drug appears not to have serious side effects, unlike ibuprofen when taken long term. It also didn't appear to be addictive, unlike opioids. When I read the paper, I was like, this is what we've been waiting for. This Toronto anesthesiologist says the study is just a start. There are more trials underway in Canada weighing the evidence for how effective cannabis can be for pain. This is one study. It is a big study that really gives us that direction that we want to see in terms of medical benefit. The drug hasn't been approved for use yet in North America. Some say more research is needed. People with chronic pain are using these products for years, sometimes decades, not for three months. As researchers continue to gather the evidence, doctors emphasize long-term pain relief often takes more than just drugs. Things like exercise, physical therapy and mindfulness can also help. Jennifer Yoon, CBC News, Toronto.

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Washington

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Karur

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Breakdown