As a believer in alternative and holistic approaches to medicine, Dr. Greenberg always keeps an open mind to new trends in the field, especially when it comes to treating and ultimately solving chronic pain. However, with research and clinical studies emerging constantly about medical marijuana, measuring the success rate and how the patient is most importantly feeling with any type of treatment is key in deeming an alternative medicine approach “successful.”
Medical Marijuana & Migraines
Although it may seem much newer given the legalization of recreational use throughout many states in the US, Medicinal Cannabis has been used since the early 19th and early 20th centuries. The drug was used to treat chronic pain and muscle spasms, and in more recent years has reportedly eased nausea and vomiting for those receiving chemotherapy treatments. Now however, there are many studies and research done around the drug’s ability to alleviate migraine pain.
In a clinical trial conducted in 2017, patients were administered an acute treatment which was reported to reduce the intensity of pain in migraine patients by 43.5 percent. Yet, three months after the study, the severity and amount of cluster headache attacks only decreased slightly.
However, other studies are now finding that the under-the-counter remedy is worsening migraines as the self-medicating use of cannabis is leading to “rebound” headaches or medication overuse headache, which occurs when pain medication is overused by patients who have an underlying primary headache disorder such as migraine. In a study of 368 people, 212 reported to have medication overuse headaches and 156 did not. Of those using cannabis it was found that they were six times more likely to develop medication overuse headaches than those who did not.
Migraines & The Greenberg Method
Although it is still up in the air whether or not cannabis can treat migraines for certain, Dr. Greenberg’s close work with patients who suffer from severe migraines has shown that Prolotherapy and Plasma Rich Platelet (PRP) are effective, and most importantly, for long-term relief.
Beginning with examining the skull and neck, Dr. Greenberg’s unique diagnostic approach, the Greenberg Method, not only looks into the area of damage and pain, but also evaluates the mechanics and structure of the bone and joints related to the area of the pain. In the case of a migraine, he will also evaluate the temples and jaw to see how the pain affects the patient’s body as a whole to make an informed diagnosis and treatment plan.
Unlike over-the-counter pain medications, such as Advil or Tylenol which actually block the healing process, Prolotherapy and Plasma Rich Platelet (PRP) works to repair ligaments and tendons directly in the cervical spine and skull. After a few weeks of treatment, depending on the severity of a patient’s condition, inflammation begins to reduce and the healing process truly begins.
Check out Dr. Greenberg’s work with patients suffering from migraines as featured on 6abc’s Healthcheck.
Are you suffering from migraines and want to improve the quality of your life? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Greenberg to determine a treatment plan that is best-suited for you.
