Managing Chronic Pain with Medical Cannabis
Chronic pain is a term generally used to describe pain which lasts longer three months. It can affect both the physical and mental health of those affected. It is a common condition, with around 1 in 4 people in the UK believed to experience chronic pain at some time in their lifetime.
What are the symptoms?
Chronic pain can have many side effects alongside the pain itself. The three most common forms of chronic pain though are back pain, joint pain, and headaches.
Other symptoms may are also commonly experienced by patients with chronic pain. These include:
- A burning sensation
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Loss of stamina
- Loss of flexibility
- Mental Health problems (e.g., depression, anxiety)
Cause and treatment
Chronic pain is often a symptom of an underlying condition. Chronic pain symptoms may need to be treated separately if the underlying condition has been treated but the chronic pain continues. This happens when there is a miscommunication between the brain and the nervous system.
Underlying conditions that are often associated with Chronic pain include:
- Surgical trauma
- Advanced cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Back pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
There are a number of factors that can increase the likelihood of developing chronic pain, such as smoking and being overweight. Conditions such as depression and arthritis are also often linked to chronic pain.
The treatment of chronic pain can include medical and alternative therapies. The exact treatment regime will depend on the patient, the origin of the pain and the symptoms experienced.
Medical treatments for chronic pain include:
- Physiotherapy
- Psychological/behaviour therapy
- Medication (anti-inflammatories, steroids, muscle relaxers, antidepressants, and opioids)
- Nerve blockers
In some cases, chronic pain may be improved with yoga, hypnosis, and acupuncture.
Medical Cannabis and Chronic Pain
When other forms of treatment prove ineffective for chronic pain, medical cannabis could be an alternative form of treatment that offers much-needed relief. Alleviating symptoms of pain and discomfort can help patients enjoy a better quality of life and regain their independence.
Our specialist physicians are experienced in assessing individual cases and helping to determine whether medical cannabis could be an effective option.
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Conditions Specialists
Dr Anup Mathew
Lead Psychiatry Specialist
Dr Anup Mathew
Consultant Psychiatrist | Clinical Lecturer
M.D., MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), MRCPsych, FHEADCP, MDCH, DCBH, PGCDM, PGCCE, MAcadMEd
Dr Mathew is a Community Psychiatrist in the NHS responsible for providing medical psychiatric support to a multi-disciplinary Primary Care Mental Health Service across East and North Kent.
Dr Mathew has extensive knowledge of mental health legislation having completed an MA in Medical Ethics and Law. He was appointed by the Ministry of Justice as a Medical Member of the First-tier Tribunal in the Social Entitlement Chamber. Dr Mathew also has a special interest in PTSD and Military Psychiatry having completed an MSc in War and Psychiatry and trained with the Royal Marines Reserve.
Dr Mathew was awarded Membership of the Academy of Medical Educators and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy following his involvement in medical education which included being a University Lecturer.
As a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Addictions Faculty, Dr Mathew has qualifications and expertise in the management of alcohol and drug misuse, particularly with co-morbid mental health problems. Due to his expertise, Dr Mathew is a Medical Examiner and Health Examiner for the General Medical Council.
Dr Mathew holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy and he is also a qualified Medical Hypnotherapist. He incorporates a holistic approach in treatment that considers how biological, psychological and social factors impact on a person’s life and recovery journey. His work ethic has always been focused on trying to improve the outcomes of people with mental illness.
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Lead Pain Specialist
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Acute and Chronic Pain Management Consultant
MBBS, FRCA, FFPMRCA
Specialisms: Musculoskeletal pain; neuropathic pain; fibromyalgia; headaches; migraines; chronic neck, upper & lower back, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle pain; myofascial pain; inflammatory and connective tissue disorders; abdominal pain; pelvic pain; post-surgical pain and cancer pain.
Dr Sinovich qualified in anaesthesia and is professionally trained to treat different pain problems, particularly musculoskeletal pain and neuropathic pain. He is well renowned in his field following completion of specialised training in Pain Management at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, a world leading hospital in pain research and management.
Dr Sinovich is a pioneer in medical cannabis prescribing to chronic pain patients in the UK. He has extensive experience in prescribing medicinal cannabis over the last 3 years with training undertaken in Canada. He has featured in cannabis health news, BBC news, and in the daily mirror on topics related to medicinal cannabis. He has presented various web-based seminars on medicinal cannabis to both patients and aspiring doctors wanting to enter the field of medicinal cannabis. He is involved in research trials to better understand the use of medicinal cannabis and making it more accessible to individuals with chronic pain.
Here are some interesting facts about Dr Sinovich:
- Granted Foundation Fellowship of the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FFPMRCA)
- Medical director of “Panacea Pain Relief Clinic” with consulting rooms at the Spire Clare Park Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital and Spire St Anthony Hospital
- Presented at numerous national anaesthesia and pain medicine conferences
- Member of the British Pain Society and of the European Society for Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine
- Faculty member of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCA), the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA) and the Association of Anaesthetists (AAGBI)
- Local Pain Medicine Educational Supervisor responsible for teaching of undergraduate medical students in acute and chronic pain
Medical cannabis, legally prescribed
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FAQ’s
Answers to your most important medical cannabis questions.
Can medical cannabis help with chronic pain management?
Yes. Medical cannabis may offer relief for patientsliving with long-term pain conditions that haven’t responded to conventionaltreatments. At Cantourage Clinic, we specialise in personalised cannabis-basedtherapies designed to reduce pain, improve daily function, and enhance overallquality of life.
Is medical cannabis legally available for chronic pain in the UK?
Absolutely. In the UK, specialist doctors canlegally prescribe medical cannabis for chronic pain when standard medicationshave failed. Cantourage Clinic operates fully within UK regulatory guidelines,providing safe and compliant access to cannabis-based treatments.
What types of chronic pain are commonly treated with medical cannabis?
Conditions like fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain,arthritis, migraines, and musculoskeletal pain may all be supported withcannabis-based treatments. Our team carefully assesses your case to create atargeted plan using oils, capsules, or vaporised formats that best suit yourneeds.
How can I begin medical cannabis treatment for chronic pain with Cantourage Clinic?
Start by booking a consultation with one of ourexperienced doctors. We’ll evaluate your medical history, pain symptoms, andprevious treatments. If cannabis is appropriate, we’ll prescribe a tailoredplan and guide you through every step of the process—from product selection toongoing monitoring.