Spasticity: Multiple Sclerosis or Spinal Cord Injury

Very simply, spasticity occurs when an individual's muscles continue to contract. The contraction of muscles not only causes muscle tightness but also stiffness, which interferes with both walking and normal movement. Its origin is equated to damage to the areas around the spinal cord and brain, specifically sections that control voluntary movement. Multiple symptoms may occur, including muscle spasms, involuntary leg crossing, pressure sores, muscle fatigue, and weakness in pressure sores. Again, causes are typically associated with nerve signal damage and muscle tone increases. Underlying conditions may include cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, and multiple sclerosis. In addition to physical features, potential mental effects may include anxiety, fatigue, and a reduction in daily activities. Regarding medical cannabis, THC is represented as one of the main cannabinoids and has been shown to improve spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis. Importantly, clinical trials have shown mixed effects regarding medical cannabis for spasticity. While medical marijuana may treat stiff muscles, muscle spasms, pain, anxiety, and depression, it is important to recognize that both multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries require long-term medical care. Generally, best strains have not been related to specific conditions, but rather identified symptoms such as pain, inflammation, anxiety, and sleep. This section will address this important issue. The focus will be on the identification of clinical trials and peer-reviewed research.