About a decade ago, the pain didn’t happen frequently. And if it did occur, it was manageable. Recently, the pain is becoming more and more intense to the point that it’s debilitating. You have problems standing, sitting, and walking. Your knee pain is the most problematic.
Severe arthritis is suddenly taking away the quality of life from you. You’ve visited your private doctor in Birmingham. You’re becoming impatient and feeling that the relief is more short-term. You’re now looking at other options, including herbal medicines and other alternative treatments. Then you’re 22-year-old grandson who’s currently in medical school asked if you’re open to trying alternative medicine. You were hesitant, but the pain is back again, so you asked your grandson if he could help you do more research on alternative treatments.
Background on Alternative Treatments
Scientists, medical practitioners, and researchers have found a way to use herbs for the treatment of certain diseases or at least alleviate symptoms of diseases. The estimate is that there are about 100 different compounds referred to as cannabinoids. The medicinal part comes from the chemical compound called CBD and is believed to be useful in fighting diseases.
Thirty-three states, including the District of Columbia, have already legalized the used of such alternative treatments.
Understanding Alternative Treatments
With many antibiotics, there is conclusive proof that it can destroy harmful bacteria or at least slow it down, thereby arresting infections or other symptoms. With alternative treatments, the debate about its real benefits is still raging on amongst doctors, scientific researchers, politicians, and policymakers. Here are a few more things that you should know:
- You won’t get high (unfortunately). As discussed, it’s such alternative treatments are extracted and converted only for medicinal purposes. The drug that gives the “high” is THC.
- Pain relief. Alternative treatments in the USA are typically used to manage pain. Those with severe arthritis, chronic illnesses, or post-surgery discomfort, benefit from the use of alternative medications. They have also been beneficial to people suffering from pain due to multiple sclerosis.
- Other conditions. Insomnia, nausea (from chemo treatment), and epilepsy are also conditions showing evidence of the benefits of alternative medicine. Those with sleep apnea and other problems related to sleeping have shown signs of improved sleep patterns. Drops in the frequency of seizures on patients with epilepsy have also been noted when such treatments are used. Patients with Parkinson’s disease have also shared similar anecdotes of having fewer tremors after taking alternative medicine.
- Intake methods. Smoking is still an option. Alternative medications can be mixed with food, like bread or cookies, and then eaten. Topical applications as spray or oil are also possible.
Remember that if you want to access alternative treatments, you need to have a valid prescription from a doctor in a state where it is legal. The requirements and qualifications vary per state, so you need to determine the rules in your country. Note that there are side effects as well, including depression and dizziness. Make sure you understand the whole picture of alternative medicine.
