Managing Acute Pain with Medical Cannabis
Acute pain is a type of pain that is caused by something specific – such as a broken bone, burns and cuts, and childbirth/ labour. This type of pain is often characterised as sharp, sudden pain that lasts less than six months and goes away once the affected area has been successfully treated. It acts as a warning to your body that is under threat from disease and/ or damage.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of acute pain can vary significantly depending on the cause of the pain and the area of the body affected. It can be characterised by several sensations, either alone or at the same time. These may include
- Sharp pain
- Throbbing
- Burning
- Stabbing pain
- Tingling
- Weakness
- Numbness
Causes and treatment
As previously mentioned, acute pain can be caused by a wide variety of things, from cuts and burns to childbirth, surgery, and muscle strain. This type of pain can, and does, affect everyone at some time in their lives, however, some cases can be more severe than others, depending on the cause of the pain. While acute pain is often easily treated and may be short-lived, some cases can be more complex.
Again, the treatment used for acute pain varies from case to case, depending on the cause of the pain. For minor injuries, patients will likely be instructed to rest, and care for the injury – such as by using ice, a compress, and/or elevation. Over-the-counter medication may also be useful in less severe cases.
However, in more severe and complex cases of acute pain, more intense treatments may be required. These can include stronger pain medications, such as opioids, physical therapy, and in serious cases, surgery.
Medical Cannabis and Acute Pain
Medical cannabis has long been considered a potential alternative to strong painkillers for the management of pain. There is growing evidence that the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) plays an important role in pain signalling. This could make cannabinoids a useful therapy for pain management.
Our specialist physicians are experienced in assessing individual cases and helping to determine whether medical cannabis could be an effective option.
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Conditions Specialists
Dr Anup Mathew
Lead Psychiatry Specialist
Dr Anup Mathew
Consultant Psychiatrist | Clinical Lecturer
M.D., MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), MRCPsych, FHEADCP, MDCH, DCBH, PGCDM, PGCCE, MAcadMEd
Dr Mathew is a Community Psychiatrist in the NHS responsible for providing medical psychiatric support to a multi-disciplinary Primary Care Mental Health Service across East and North Kent.
Dr Mathew has extensive knowledge of mental health legislation having completed an MA in Medical Ethics and Law. He was appointed by the Ministry of Justice as a Medical Member of the First-tier Tribunal in the Social Entitlement Chamber. Dr Mathew also has a special interest in PTSD and Military Psychiatry having completed an MSc in War and Psychiatry and trained with the Royal Marines Reserve.
Dr Mathew was awarded Membership of the Academy of Medical Educators and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy following his involvement in medical education which included being a University Lecturer.
As a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Addictions Faculty, Dr Mathew has qualifications and expertise in the management of alcohol and drug misuse, particularly with co-morbid mental health problems. Due to his expertise, Dr Mathew is a Medical Examiner and Health Examiner for the General Medical Council.
Dr Mathew holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy and he is also a qualified Medical Hypnotherapist. He incorporates a holistic approach in treatment that considers how biological, psychological and social factors impact on a person’s life and recovery journey. His work ethic has always been focused on trying to improve the outcomes of people with mental illness.
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Lead Pain Specialist
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Acute and Chronic Pain Management Consultant
MBBS, FRCA, FFPMRCA
Specialisms: Musculoskeletal pain; neuropathic pain; fibromyalgia; headaches; migraines; chronic neck, upper & lower back, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle pain; myofascial pain; inflammatory and connective tissue disorders; abdominal pain; pelvic pain; post-surgical pain and cancer pain.
Dr Sinovich qualified in anaesthesia and is professionally trained to treat different pain problems, particularly musculoskeletal pain and neuropathic pain. He is well renowned in his field following completion of specialised training in Pain Management at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, a world leading hospital in pain research and management.
Dr Sinovich is a pioneer in medical cannabis prescribing to chronic pain patients in the UK. He has extensive experience in prescribing medicinal cannabis over the last 3 years with training undertaken in Canada. He has featured in cannabis health news, BBC news, and in the daily mirror on topics related to medicinal cannabis. He has presented various web-based seminars on medicinal cannabis to both patients and aspiring doctors wanting to enter the field of medicinal cannabis. He is involved in research trials to better understand the use of medicinal cannabis and making it more accessible to individuals with chronic pain.
Here are some interesting facts about Dr Sinovich:
- Granted Foundation Fellowship of the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FFPMRCA)
- Medical director of “Panacea Pain Relief Clinic” with consulting rooms at the Spire Clare Park Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital and Spire St Anthony Hospital
- Presented at numerous national anaesthesia and pain medicine conferences
- Member of the British Pain Society and of the European Society for Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine
- Faculty member of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCA), the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA) and the Association of Anaesthetists (AAGBI)
- Local Pain Medicine Educational Supervisor responsible for teaching of undergraduate medical students in acute and chronic pain
Medical cannabis, legally prescribed
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FAQ’s
Answers to your most important medical cannabis questions.
Can medical cannabis be used to treat acute pain?
Medical cannabis may help manage acute pain whentraditional painkillers are ineffective or cause unwanted side effects. AtCantourage Clinic, we consider cannabis-based treatments for patients withsevere, short-term pain—especially when it significantly impacts quality oflife or recovery.
Is it legal to prescribe medical cannabis for acute pain in the UK?
Yes. In the UK, medical cannabis can be prescribedlegally by a specialist doctor for conditions involving acute or chronic pain,when standard treatments have failed. Cantourage Clinic provides legal,regulated access to cannabis-based medicines through expert consultation andpersonalised care.
What types of acute pain may benefit from medical cannabis?
Cannabis-based therapies may support patientsexperiencing acute musculoskeletal injuries, post-surgical pain, ornerve-related flare-ups. At Cantourage Clinic, we assess the underlying causeof pain and may recommend fast-acting formats such as vaporised products todeliver rapid symptom relief.
How can I begin medical cannabis treatment for acute pain with Cantourage Clinic?
The first step is tobook a consultation. Our specialist doctors will review your condition, medicalhistory, and previous treatments. If appropriate, we’ll create a tailoredcannabis treatment plan and support you with everything from prescriptions to ongoingmonitoring.