Today in Long Beach I took care of a 54 year old man who uses medical marijuana to control chronic pain after having 7 back surgeries.   In the past he was a chronic user of opiates and NSAID’s such as Alleve, Motrin and Acetaminphen (Tylenol) but developed RENAL CELL CARCINOMA (KIDNEY CANCER) as a result of his chronic use of NSAIDS and just last month had to have his right kidney removed.

I am often amazed by just how much NSAID’s are used in traditional medicine to control chronic pain.    When I was a military doctor with the Marines corpsman often handed out 800mg Motrin like they were candy.    And older patients who suffer from arthritis and other joint pain regularly rely on these medications to reduce inflammation and pain.    I don’t think the average person understands the underlying risk of taking these medications regularly.

NSAID’s work by reducing pain and also by limiting inflammation.    Recently there have been some solid studies on the increased risk that they pose to patients if used chronically.    Specifically, they have been shown to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in healthy patients.   This study: http://www.renalandurologynews.com/nonaspirin-nsaids-may-raise-rcc-risk/article/146731/      demonstrated an increased risk of Renal cell Carcinoma.   My patients Nephrologist and Oncologist directly related his cancer to his use of medications.

Medical Marijuana has been shown to both reduce inflammation and pain in people who have chronic pain.   Its benefits have been demonstrated even in lower doses which is great for patients who do not want to feel the “high” with use.   Many of my patients just need to vaporize a small amount of a less psychoactive strain such as an indica like afgan kush.    It has more of a body affect and is more relaxing and sedating than some of the sativa strains.

If you would like more information about the use of medical marijuana feel free to contact me by calling 877-721-0047 or through my website at www.mcsocal.com

Be blessed,

Dr. Breen