Scoliosis is a condition influenced by several risk factors, including age, biological sex, and genetics. If you live with scoliosis or have experience caring for someone with the condition, you likely already understand some of the challenges it presents.
Now, you may be looking to learn more about how medical cannabis could help manage some of its symptoms. Here is what to know about your options.
Scoliosis is a pediatric medical condition in which the spine curves abnormally side to side, typically forming an “S” or “C” shape. Some of its causes include spine malformations, genetic changes, injuries, tumors, or nerve and muscle conditions. However, in most cases, doctors cannot identify a specific cause.
Because scoliosis causes the spine to curve sideways and rotate, it can disrupt the body’s normal alignment. This uneven posture forces some muscles to work harder while others weaken, thereby leading to postural changes, muscle imbalance, pain, mobility issues, and, in severe cases, chest and lung compression. These can affect overall physical activity and quality of life.
Medical marijuana does not treat or correct scoliosis, as the mainstays of treatment are normally bracing or surgical. But it may help manage symptoms commonly associated with the condition.
Through their interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), plus other molecular targets, cannabinoids may help modulate pain by binding to CB1 receptors in the central nervous system and inhibiting the release of excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate and substance P, which can reduce pain signal transmission. Cannabinoids can also interact with CB2 receptors and engage with TRPV1 channels involved in pain processing to influence pain and inflammation.
Evidence suggests medical cannabis may modestly improve sleep, which can indirectly ease pain. Some clinical data also indicate cannabinoids can reduce muscle spasticity in conditions like multiple sclerosis, though their effect on scoliosis-related muscle tension remains unclear.
However, this is largely speculative for scoliosis, as direct studies are lacking. Consult your doctor before using medical cannabis for scoliosis-related pain or muscle tension.
A certified medical marijuana doctor cannot create a treatment plan that treats scoliosis itself, but can evaluate your symptoms—such as chronic pain, muscle spasms, sleep disturbances, or anxiety to determine whether medical cannabis may help manage these symptoms.
If appropriate, the doctor can provide a recommendation, guidance on dosing and administration, as well as incorporate cannabis alongside standard scoliosis treatments like physical therapy, bracing, or surgical care. This approach allows the patient to focus on improving comfort and quality of life, not on treating or reversing scoliosis itself with cannabis.
While there are no products specifically for scoliosis pain, certain types of medical cannabis may help relieve pain and discomfort:
Nevertheless, consulting a licensed medical marijuana doctor is essential, as the effectiveness of medical marijuana varies by individual tolerance, dosage, frequency, consumption method, and more.
Applying for a medical marijuana card online is a simple and convenient process. However, scoliosis itself may not be a qualifying condition for approval. Instead, a licensed medical marijuana doctor will review your medical records during an online medical evaluation to determine whether medical cannabis may be an appropriate option for you.
If you have a qualifying associated condition—such as chronic pain, muscle spasms, or sleep disturbances—the medical cannabis doctor may issue a medical marijuana certification post-evaluation. Once certified, you can complete the state application process and receive your medical cannabis card.
Medical marijuana may help reduce chronic back pain and muscle spasms; however, ensure you consult your doctor before using cannabis for (scoliosis-related) back pain relief.
Doctors may recommend cannabis alongside physical therapy for scoliosis, but its safe use depends on personalized medical guidance.
Pain is a common qualifying condition for medical marijuana. Therefore, a scoliosis-related pain might qualify you for a medical marijuana card. However, approval still depends on the doctor’s evaluation and recommendation.
Indica-dominant strains and terpenes containing myrcene have muscle-relaxing properties that may help provide relief from muscle and spinal pain or tension.
Medical marijuana doctors assess symptoms and recommend cannabis for relief, but they do not provide products for structural corrections (i.e., bracing).
Although not specific to scoliosis pain, doctors typically recommend topical creams for localized pain relief, while cannabis oils (used orally or sublingually) target the whole body. Consult your doctor for guidance on the best products suitable for your needs.
Medical marijuana may help improve mobility and flexibility in scoliosis patients by managing some symptoms that restrict movement, such as reducing pain, relaxing muscles, and improving sleep.
You will need to schedule an appointment with a licensed medical marijuana doctor online. Platforms such as Marijuana Doctors provide access to licensed doctors who can conduct online evaluations. However, keep in mind that scoliosis itself is not typically a qualifying condition for medical marijuana card approval.
Yes, cannabis use can cause side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, and short-term memory loss, but high-quality human research on its long-term use for pain management remains limited and requires further study.
While this is not specific to scoliosis, some clinical evidence suggests that medical cannabis may allow for lower doses of opioids (a painkiller), thereby reducing the risks associated with its long-term use.
Written by Chiagozie Ekemezie
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