By Angel Johansen Certified Cannabis Educator

My journey with a herniated disk was not just a physical trial but also a profound test of resilience. The pain was relentless, affecting every aspect of my life. It robbed me of the simple joys of playing with my granddaughter and participating in exercise and social activities. We even went through three mattresses, searching for one to ease my discomfort and improve my sleep health. Despite these challenges, I remained determined to find a solution that would not only alleviate my pain (1) but also allow me to regain control of my life.

Understanding Herniated Disks

A herniated disk, also known as a slipped disk, occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal disk bulges out through the tough outer casing. This can lead to nerve irritation and intense nerve pain, often radiating down the leg or arm. It's not just physical discomfort; it can significantly impact daily life, affecting simple tasks as well as causing discomfort.

My Journey with Two Herniated Disks

My experience with herniated disks was marked by pain and persistence. Not only was one bulging, but the other was bulging just enough to barely touch my sciatic nerve. Despite trying conventional treatments like pain relievers and physical therapy, I found only temporary relief. With a deep-rooted belief in holistic health practices, I sought a solution that would address the underlying cause of my discomfort.

Having grown up in an environment where adults around me used Cannabis recreationally and having experimented with it myself in my teenage years, I was familiar with its potential benefits. However, it wasn't until later in life that I truly understood its impact on pain management (2), particularly in the context of my herniated disk.

Rediscovering Cannabis: A Safe and Effective Pain Management Solution

Cannabis contains cannabinoids that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating pain, inflammation, and mood. The cannabinoids THC, CBD, and CBN helped me manage my pain and inflammation, allowing me to move more comfortably and improving my sleep quality.

The Science Behind Cannabis

Research involving Cannabis is evolving in exciting ways and studies suggest that cannabinoids in Cannabis possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties (3), making them a promising option for managing chronic pain conditions like herniated disks. The endocannabinoid system (4), a complex network within the body, plays a key role in this interaction, highlighting the potential of Cannabis as a therapeutic agent.

In Conclusion

My journey with a herniated disk and Cannabis has been enlightening, revealing the profound impact of cannabinoid therapies as an effective solution for pain management and overall well-being. If you're considering Cannabis as a treatment option, I encourage you to explore its potential benefits with the guidance of a Certified Cannabis Educator, Coach, or healthcare professional who is educated in Cannabis.

References:

1. Russo, Ethan B. “Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain.” Therapeutics and clinical risk management vol. 4,1 (2008): 245-59. doi:10.2147/tcrm.s1928

2. J., Angel. Cannabis Eased My Nerve Pian Improving My Quality of Life, Effective Cannabis Newsletter, 4 Jan. 2024, www.effectivenewsletter.com/blog/cannabis-eased-my-nerve-pain-improving-my-quality-of-life?cid=5e2bacf4-04d8-4d92-9591-b68d733e5133.

3. Anil, Seegehalli M et al. “Medical Cannabis Activity Against Inflammation: Active Compounds and Modes of Action.” Frontiers in pharmacology vol. 13 908198. 9 May. 2022, doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.908198

4. Kirk, Riley D. How-Cannabis-Works-in-the-Body-Introduction-to-the-Endocannabinoid-System, Effective Cannabis Newsletter, 6 Sept. 2023, www.effectivenewsletter.com/blog/how-cannabis-works-in-the-body-introduction-to-the-endocannabinoid-system-ecs?cid=5e2bacf4-04d8-4d92-9591-b68d733e5133.

About Angel Johansen:

Angel is a dedicated Cannabis Educator driven by a passion for knowledge. Advocating for women's health and Cannabis reform, she champions these causes as a proud member of NORML and Americans for Safe Access. Angel curates a supportive community, guiding women through life's intricacies with Cannabis as an ally. Tailoring programs to honor diverse needs, she empowers with confidence and grace, creating a sacred space infused with humor and solidarity. Angel's Cannabis education becomes a transformative adventure, fostering self-discovery and self-advocacy in celebration of the divine feminine spirit, ensuring no woman walks alone on this enriching journey.

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If you need help with any terminology in this article, you may find some answers in our glossary.

Effective Cannabis Newsletter is a platform to educate on the vital role of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in one's health. The information is not intended or implied as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information contained in or available through this newsletter is for general information purposes only. It is not medical advice; it is health awareness.