Basket Česky Česky
Pain is a complex sensation that can significantly impact our quality of life, and finding effective ways to manage it is a constant pursuit in the medical field. One area of growing interest is the use of cannabinoids, compounds found in cannabis plants and within our bodies, which have shown promise in modulating pain in various ways. In this article, we will explore how cannabinoids interact with the nervous system to combat pain and why they hold potential for future pain management therapies.
Peripheral Nervous System:
Cannabinoids interact with specialized receptors known as CB1, found in the peripheral nociceptive terminals. These receptors, when activated, act as gatekeepers by reducing the excitability of pain-sensing neurons. This action helps to diminish pain signals before they even reach the spinal cord, effectively dampening the perception of pain.
Spinal Cord:
Moving to the spinal level, cannabinoids continue their pain-fighting action through CB1 receptors located in the dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord dorsal horn. By activating these receptors, cannabinoids inhibit the release of pain-transmitting neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or glutamate. This inhibition process blocks pain signals and reduces sensations of discomfort, providing relief to those experiencing pain.
Supraspinal Effects:
As pain signals ascend to higher brain regions, cannabinoids once again step in to slow down their transmission. CB1 receptors, mainly found in the thalamus of the midbrain, play a crucial role here. Activating these receptors helps prevent pain signals from reaching the areas where they register as pain in the brain. Additionally, cannabinoids may trigger the release of inhibitory compounds, such as GABA, further enhancing their pain-modulating effects.
Emotional Component:
Pain isn't solely a physical sensation; it also involves our emotions and cognitive processes. In this aspect, cannabinoids interact with CB1 receptors in the limbic system and cortical areas of the brain, which are responsible for memory and emotion. By activating these receptors, cannabinoids help modify the emotional experience of pain, making it more manageable and less distressing.
Peripheral CB2 Receptors:
Beyond their interaction with the nervous system, cannabinoids also engage with CB2 receptors found on immune cells and keratinocytes. Activation of these receptors leads to a decrease in the release of molecules known to promote pain, contributing to pain sensitivity reduction and anti-inflammatory effects.
Battling Chronic Pain:
Chronic pain is a challenging condition to manage, but cannabinoids offer a glimmer of hope. By modulating immune responses through CB2 receptor activation at the spinal cord level, cannabinoids help prevent prolonged sensitization of neurons. This mechanism provides long-term relief for individuals suffering from chronic pain.
Conclusion:
The interaction between cannabinoids and their receptors within the nervous system presents a multifaceted approach to combat pain. From their role in dampening pain signals at the peripheral nervous system to modulating emotional responses and battling chronic pain, cannabinoids demonstrate their potential as a viable option for pain management therapies.
As research in this area continues to expand, the potential benefits of cannabinoids in pain relief will likely become more apparent. However, it is essential to approach their use with caution, considering individual variations and potential side effects. Nonetheless, the promising results thus far indicate that cannabinoids could offer new and innovative solutions for individuals seeking relief from pain.
SOURCE:
Überall MA. A Review of Scientific Evidence for THC:CBD Oromucosal Spray (Nabiximols) in the Management of Chronic Pain. J Pain Res. 2020;13:399-410. Published 2020 Feb 14. doi:10.2147/JPR.S240011  
26. July, 2023

How Cannabinoids Combat Pain - Counting All of The Ways Cannabis Can Help

Pain is a complex sensation that can significantly impact our quality of life, and finding effective ways to manage it is a constant pursuit in the medical field. One area of growing interest is the use of cannabinoids, compounds found in cannabis plants and within our bodies, which have shown promise in modulating pain in various ways. In this article, we will explore how cannabinoids interact with the nervous system to combat pain and why they hold potential for future pain management therapies.

Peripheral Nervous System:

Cannabinoids interact with specialized receptors known as CB1, found in the peripheral nociceptive terminals. These receptors, when activated, act as gatekeepers by reducing the excitability of pain-sensing neurons. This action helps to diminish pain signals before they even reach the spinal cord, effectively dampening the perception of pain.

Spinal Cord:

Moving to the spinal level, cannabinoids continue their pain-fighting action through CB1 receptors located in the dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord dorsal horn. By activating these receptors, cannabinoids inhibit the release of pain-transmitting neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or glutamate. This inhibition process blocks pain signals and reduces sensations of discomfort, providing relief to those experiencing pain.

Supraspinal Effects:

As pain signals ascend to higher brain regions, cannabinoids once again step in to slow down their transmission. CB1 receptors, mainly found in the thalamus of the midbrain, play a crucial role here. Activating these receptors helps prevent pain signals from reaching the areas where they register as pain in the brain. Additionally, cannabinoids may trigger the release of inhibitory compounds, such as GABA, further enhancing their pain-modulating effects.

Emotional Component:

Pain isn't solely a physical sensation; it also involves our emotions and cognitive processes. In this aspect, cannabinoids interact with CB1 receptors in the limbic system and cortical areas of the brain, which are responsible for memory and emotion. By activating these receptors, cannabinoids help modify the emotional experience of pain, making it more manageable and less distressing.

Peripheral CB2 Receptors:

Beyond their interaction with the nervous system, cannabinoids also engage with CB2 receptors found on immune cells and keratinocytes. Activation of these receptors leads to a decrease in the release of molecules known to promote pain, contributing to pain sensitivity reduction and anti-inflammatory effects.

Battling Chronic Pain:

Chronic pain is a challenging condition to manage, but cannabinoids offer a glimmer of hope. By modulating immune responses through CB2 receptor activation at the spinal cord level, cannabinoids help prevent prolonged sensitization of neurons. This mechanism provides long-term relief for individuals suffering from chronic pain.

Conclusion:

The interaction between cannabinoids and their receptors within the nervous system presents a multifaceted approach to combat pain. From their role in dampening pain signals at the peripheral nervous system to modulating emotional responses and battling chronic pain, cannabinoids demonstrate their potential as a viable option for pain management therapies.

As research in this area continues to expand, the potential benefits of cannabinoids in pain relief will likely become more apparent. However, it is essential to approach their use with caution, considering individual variations and potential side effects. Nonetheless, the promising results thus far indicate that cannabinoids could offer new and innovative solutions for individuals seeking relief from pain.

SOURCE:

Überall MA. A Review of Scientific Evidence for THC:CBD Oromucosal Spray (Nabiximols) in the Management of Chronic Pain. J Pain Res. 2020;13:399-410. Published 2020 Feb 14. doi:10.2147/JPR.S240011