TREATMENTS

At Wesley Chapel Spine and Sports Medicine we believe that all viable natural pain management treatment options should be explored. This includes considering the use of medical marijuana in certain treatment scenarios. We have found great success utilizing this innovative treatment option. A report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that about 50 million Americans have chronic pain. Approximately 20 million of them suffer from high-impact chronic pain, which frequently limits work or life activities.

The number of opiate prescriptions (pain medication prescriptions) in the US today is very alarming, considering the effect addiction can have on communities across the country. Doctors and researchers have been exploring alternative treatment options for pain, including medical marijuana. We believe that medical marijuana, in recommended doses, can allow for less pain and more function and may be part of the future landscape of Pain Management. It is not about getting high; it is about getting better.

Cannabinoids, the active chemicals in medical marijuana — are similar to chemicals the body makes that are involved in appetite, memory, movement, and pain. Research suggests cannabinoids can help reduce anxiety, decrease inflammation and reduce pain, kill cancer cells and slow tumor growth, relax tight muscles in people with MS and stimulate appetite and improve weight gain in people with cancer and AIDS.

Medical marijuana is now legal in New Jersey under the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act. Marijuana is still considered a Schedule I drug, which means it cannot be prescribed by just any practicing doctor. You must be evaluated only by a registered medical professional before you are prescribed medical marijuana. Medical marijuana is most commonly used to treat chronic or severe pain.

Medical marijuana is used to treat patients suffering from any of the following conditions:

• Addiction
• Cancer
• Endometriosis
• Epilepsy
• Alzheimer’s
• Any Terminal Condition
• Appetite Loss
• Muscle Spasms
• Nausea
• Fibromyalgia

The Double Board Certified Physicians at Wesley Chapel Spine and Sports Medicine have a New Jersey Medical Marijuana Program License, which gives them the license to recommend medical marijuana if you meet specific criteria. The certification is valid for three months. At the end of that period, you must be re-evaluated. If the quality of your life has improved, you may have the certification renewed. For each patient, we individualize the method and strength of cannabis that matches your needs in an effort to maximize results, minimize side effects, and increase your function.

If you are approved, the Doctor will register you within the State DOH website. After you complete your registration process you can visit an authorized marijuana dispensary for a consultation wherein the staff at the dispensary will show you what is available and make any recommendations as to the type that may benefit your specific condition.

Medical marijuana is prescribed only after a proper evaluation by a registered physician. You must also meet certain criteria to be a certified user of medical marijuana. If you believe you may be a candidate for medical marijuana, we suggest scheduling a consultation at Wesley Chapel Spine and Sports Medicine.

Our double Board Certified Physician will conduct a medical evaluation to determine if you are a suitable candidate for marijuana. It is important for those who are interested in medical marijuana to understand that the purchase of marijuana is not covered by insurance.