According to a new study, marijuana-based medicines show promise in treating peripheral neuropathy, a chronic and debilitating condition often resistant to traditional nonsurgical treatments.
The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Virginia, explored the potential of cannabis-based medications for managing pain and symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy, including cases caused by nerve injury, trauma, and other noncompressive etiologies. The findings were published online by the US National Library of Medicine.
Using a systematic search of databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, Ovid Medline, and CINAHL, the researchers identified 14 randomized controlled trials from 927 initial studies. The review evaluated study design, medication, dosage, and effects on neuropathic pain, alongside secondary outcomes such as sleep, sensory symptoms, and quality of life. From these, a meta-analysis of seven studies revealed a statistically significant reduction in neuropathic pain scores, with a mean difference of −0.67 on a 0–10 scale compared to placebo.
Notably, 13 of the 14 trials (79%) demonstrated significant pain reduction following cannabinoid treatment. Improvements in secondary outcomes further support the therapeutic potential of these medicines.
The study concluded that cannabis-based treatments could provide meaningful relief for patients with peripheral neuropathy, marking a promising development for a condition that has traditionally been challenging to manage. These findings underscore the need for further exploration into the use of cannabinoids for this purpose.
Below is the study’s full abstract:
Purpose
Peripheral neuropathies are commonly occurring conditions that are chronic and debilitating for patients. Established nonsurgical treatments have yielded mixed and patient-dependent results. Although cannabinoids have demonstrated efficacy as a treatment for central neuropathic pain, the therapeutic potential of cannabis-based medications for the management of peripheral neuropathic pain caused by nerve injury, trauma, and other noncompressive etiologies has yet to be definitively established. This study aims to determine whether cannabinoids are a potentially effective treatment for pain and symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy.
Methods
A systematic search was conducted by two independent reviewers across PubMed, Cochrane, Ovid Medline, and CINAHL to identify studies in accordance with the predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Information regarding study design, medication, dosage, effect on neuropathic pain, and other related outcomes was extracted. Meta-analysis of pain scores was performed for seven studies, and descriptive statistics were used to summarize other study findings as appropriate.
Results
Of the 927 studies identified, 14 randomized controlled trials were included. Thirteen of 14 studies (79%) observed a statistically significant decrease in neuropathic pain score following treatment with a cannabinoid. Meta-analysis yielded a mean difference of −0.67 [−0.89, −0.45]) on a 0−10 scale compared with placebo. Improvements in secondary outcomes such as sleep, sensory symptoms, and quality of life were observed.
Conclusions
Our analysis of the literature shows that cannabis-based medicines may be effective in treating the pain and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. These findings suggest the applicability of cannabis-based medicines for peripheral neuropathy.
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