Muscular Dystrophy
Treating Muscular Dystrophy with Medical Marijuana
What is Muscular Dystrophy?
Muscular Dystrophy is a form of a disease which progressively weakens muscles and leads to the actual loss of muscle mass. According to the Mayo Clinic, in muscular dystrophy patients, mutated and abnormal genes interfere with the production of proteins which are required to form healthy and strong muscles. Symptoms of many cases of muscular dystrophy appear in childhood and are more common in boys, while other types do not surface until we are adults. While there are several different forms of muscular dystrophy, they are all debilitating and can lead to significant complications in one’s life. Fortunately, muscular dystrophy has been recognized by the State of Florida as a qualifying medical marijuana condition. If you or a loved one suffer from muscular dystrophy and are interested in learning more about treatment with cannabis, contact a Florida Medical Marijuana Doctor today!
Symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy
Symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy can include, but are not limited to:
- Progressive muscle weakness
- Learning disabilities
- Falling
- Trouble lying or sitting
- Trouble running and jumping
- Walking on Toes
- Muscle pain
- Muscle Stiffness
- Stunted Growth
Types of Muscular Dystrophy
- Duchenne Type Muscular Dystrophy (the most common form, very present in boys during childhood)
- Becker Muscular Dystrophy
- Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy
- Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy
- Congenital Muscular Dystrophy
- Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular Dystrophy and Medical Marijuana
The disorder of muscular dystrophy is genetic and is inherited. Research has shown that the anti-inflammatory properties of medical marijuana have had tremendous benefits in treating the extreme pain caused by muscular dystrophy. In fact, many patients are reporting abandoning the use of opioids altogether in favor of medical marijuana for treating their muscular dystrophy. Medical marijuana has also been shown to be potentially beneficial in not only helping treat the pain of muscular dystrophy, but also reducing the severity and the duration of the accompanying muscle spasms.
While there is no cure for muscular dystrophy, medical marijuana has been shown to offer potential relief, including pain relief, improved sleep, muscle relaxation, and even an increased appetite!
Side Effects of Cannabis for Muscular Dystrophy
Side effects of marijuana use can include changes in:
- Sleep
- Fatigue
- Memory
- Appetite
- Mood
- Reaction Time
- Paranoia
Medical Marijuana Doctor Near Me
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy in Florida and are interested in how medical marijuana may be able to help you, take our qualification survey and schedule an appointment today!
