Managing Herniated Disc Pain with Medical Cannabis
A Herniated Disc – also referred to as a bulged, slipped, or ruptured disc – is a fragment of the disc nucleus that is pushed out of the annulus, through a tear or rupture, and into the spinal canal. Discs are round with a tough outer layer (the annulus); they cushion the bones (vertebrae) that form the spine and act as shock absorbers. Disc herniation usually occurs in the early stages of degeneration.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of a Herniated Disc can vary significantly, depending on the position of the disc and the size of the herniation. If a Herniated Disc does not cause nerve compression, the patient may experience pain in the lower back or even no pain at all. However, a Herniated Disc can lead to further complications.
Sciatica/ radiculopathy may occur following the herniation of a disc in the lower spine. This commonly causes pain and discomfort in the buttocks, into the leg, and sometimes in the foot. A Herniated Disc in the cervical spine (neck) can lead to nerve compression in the neck which can cause cervical radiculopathy. This can cause dull or sharp pain in the neck or between the shoulder blades which may spread down the arm and into the hands or fingers.
Common symptoms of these complications include:
- Sharp or dull pain in the affected and surrounding areas
- Numbness or tingling in the affected and surrounding areas
A Herniated Disc can cause nerve compression – when a nerve becomes trapped or compressed when passing through tissue. This can lead to pain and, in severe cases, permanent damage.
Cause and treatment
Herniated Discs are often caused by a single excessive strain or injury; however, it can also be linked to degeneration. Disc material naturally begins to degenerate as we age, causing the ligaments that hold it in place to weaken. As this occurs, it can take only minor strain to cause a disc to rupture.
Evidence suggests that some individuals may be at a higher risk of experiencing disc problems and herniating more than one disc at the same time. Research shows that a predisposition for Herniated Discs may exist in individuals with family members who have been affected.
Treatment options for Herniated Discs can vary depending on the severity and progression of each case. Initially, patients may be advised to limit activity for a few days to a few weeks to reduce nerve inflammation and encourage healing.
Other treatment options may include:
- Medications – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are frequently used to manage mild to moderate pain
- Physical therapy – including pelvic traction, massage, ice and heat therapy, electrical muscle stimulation, and stretching exercises
- Surgery – may be recommended if other treatment options are unsuccessful in managing pain
Medical Cannabis and Herniated Discs
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 help with pain from a herniated disc?
Yes. Medical cannabis may help relieve back pain,inflammation, and nerve-related discomfort caused by a herniated disc. AtCantourage Clinic, we offer personalised cannabis-based treatments for patientswho haven’t responded to conventional pain relief options like physiotherapy ormedication.
Is medical cannabis a legal option for treating a herniated disc in the UK?
Absolutely. In the UK, specialist doctors canlegally prescribe medical cannabis for chronic pain conditions, including painfrom a herniated disc, when other treatments are ineffective. Cantourage Clinicoperates under full compliance with UK regulations, ensuring safe and legalaccess.
What types of cannabis products are used for herniated disc pain?
Depending on the severity and nature of yoursymptoms, our clinicians may recommend oils, capsules, or vaporised cannabis.Balanced THC:CBD formulations or CBD-dominant options are often used to reducenerve pain, muscle tension, and improve sleep.
How do I start medical cannabis treatment for a herniated disc at Cantourage Clinic?
The process beginswith an expert consultation. Our doctors will assess your symptoms, medicalhistory, and previous treatments. If suitable, we’ll create a personalisedtreatment plan and guide you through prescription, product selection, andfollow-up support.