Carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers, like those with other types of neuropathy, often report severe discomfort from the condition, including numbness, tingling, and shooting nerve pain in their hands and wrists. Wearing braces or engaging in physical therapy doesn’t seem to help the discomfort for many of these folks.

In the case of carpal tunnel syndrome, cannabis may be the answer for individuals who either don’t want to take or don’t get adequate comfort from conventional treatments, such as corticosteroids, NSAIDs, or opioids. Unfortunately, there are no research addressing cannabinoids as a treatment for carpal tunnel-induced neuropathy; nonetheless, cannabis has been cited in a number of promising studies for the treatment of neuropathic pain and chronic pain.

Cannabinoids, including as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), are the plant’s active ingredients. One way they achieve this is by targeting the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in the regulation of pain signals throughout the body and can be particularly effective in treating neuropathy. Fat-based neurotransmitters in this system are triggered by CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. While CB1 receptors are mostly located in the brain and spinal cord, CB2 receptors are dispersed throughout the immune system, skin, and other tissues. When it comes to inflammation and pain, cannabinoids can also go after a wide variety of other cellular receptors.

Anandamide is a neurotransmitter whose levels rise when CB1 and CB2 receptors are activated. As a result, astrocytes—one of the primary cell types in the CNS – secrete a protein that promotes the development of new nerve cells. Patients with neuropathy, such as those with carpal tunnel syndrome, may benefit greatly from this feature as it may alleviate their chronic nerve pain, numbness, and tingling. There is still a need for large-scale, randomised control trials to assess the effectiveness and long-term benefits of cannabinoids and cannabis strains, particularly for carpal tunnel syndrome and other disorders.

How Can Carpal Tunnel Patients Benefit from Medical Marijuana?

These cannabis-related advantages may be seen while using medicinal cannabis for carpal tunnel syndrome:

Treatment Choices for Nerve Pain in the Wrist

The efficacy of cannabis administration techniques such inhalation, topical application, oral consumption, and ingestibles/transdermal patches varies from person to person and is influenced by metabolic factors. It’s best to ease into using cannabis by starting with a modest dose and increasing it gradually if necessary. Check out our e-books on neuropathy and inflammation to learn more about treating the nerve symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Worrying about hand or wrist discomfort without first consulting a doctor is unwise since it might be a sign of a more serious problem requiring diagnostics and treatment. Untreated or improperly treated chronic carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to amputation of the affected digit or other neuromuscular impairment.

Common Tunnel Disorders Besides Carpal Tunnel

Tingling, numbness, and discomfort in the arm are symptoms of three distinct tunnel syndromes. The arms’ median, ulnar, and radial nerves are all affected. What follows is a collection of further resources concerning the various tunnel syndromes:

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Squeezing or compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist causes the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s a kind of entrapment neuropathy. Where the tendons and nerves that control the hand travel through the wrist is known as the carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel often worsens over time, with most patients finding relief from NSAIDs, steroid injections, physical therapy, and/or a splint to avoid further nerve damage. Losing weight is also recommended. Surgery is often used to free the compressed nerve in patients.

Causes of carpal tunnel syndrome.

  • The synovium, a protective lining for the flexor tendons in the wrist, swells and presses on the median nerve, leading to pain and numbness in the hand.
  • A genetically narrow carpal tunnel can be a cause of carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • The median nerve might become pinched if you repeatedly execute the same actions with your hands and wrists.
  • Engaging in repetitive motions that require extended wrist or hand flexion.
  • Pregnancy and other hormonal changes can lead to swelling, which can then squeeze the median nerve.
  • Obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis with Hypothyroidism

Chronic Headache Caused by the Cubital Tunnel

When the ulnar nerve, which travels from the shoulder to the hand, is compressed at the elbow, cubital tunnel syndrome develops. Tingling and numbness in the hands and fingers are the primary symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Patients may also have elbow discomfort in the form of inflammation or joint pain. The ulnar nerve is responsible for extending sensation to the palm and back of the hand through the little finger and part of the ring finger.

Constant or prolonged elbow flexion might lead to Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. The nerve might get irritated over time if it falls out of place, which can happen in certain people. Avoid prolonged elbow resting, which can aggravate cubital tunnel syndrome by causing fluid to collect in the elbow and produce swelling.

Radial Tunnel Syndrome

When the radial nerve is compressed, often near the elbow, radial neuropathy can develop (10). Radial nerve symptoms can be felt anywhere along its path, which extends from the neck to the back of the upper arm. It enters the forearm and hand via the back of the elbow. Aching or weariness near the top of the forearm can be attributed to pressure on the radial nerve as it passes through the radial tunnel. In addition to hand and wrist symptoms, this condition can manifest itself in the palm. Tingling and numbness are not symptoms of radial tunnel syndrome since the nerves are not involved.

Factors that contribute to the development of radial tunnel syndrome include: 

  • Excessive usage of the arms for pushing and pulling.
  • Excessive clutching, squeezing, or bending of the wrist.
  • Repetitive arm or wrist rotation.

To know more about where to buy medical cannabis in Australia and other medical marijuana resources, you should book a consultation session with a professional from Chronic Therapy today.