Medical Cannabis for ALS Patients in Minnesota

ALS is a debilitating disease that attacks the nerve cells in a patient’s body. Unfortunately, there is no cure for ALS. But numerous treatment options can help alleviate symptoms and reduce pain in patients with the disease. In this article, we are going to focus on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and its treatment options – specifically, medical marijuana.

What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disease that weakens the patient’s muscles and impairs their ability to physically function. Commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease (after the famous baseball player), ALS causes the body’s nerve cells to gradually break down over time, resulting in disability. In addition to muscle weakness, here are some of the common symptoms of ALS:

• Muscle Spasms
• Difficulty Speaking
• Decreased Muscle Mass
• Coordination Issues
• Difficulty Swallowing

The exact cause of ALS is unknown, and there is no known cure. However, symptoms can be addressed and alleviated with various treatment methods – including medical marijuana.

Medical Marijuana for ALS Patients

There are several prescription medications that can help slow the progression of ALS symptoms, and physical therapy can help sustain mobility. So how can medical marijuana help? Medical cannabis can help improve patient sleep patterns and mood, increase appetites, and boost speech ability.

Minneapolis Medical Marijuana Doctors

At Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN, our board-certified Minnesota pain doctors are fully approved to prescribe medical marijuana to qualifying patients. With over twenty years of experience providing pain management care to patients throughout Minnesota, we have the knowledge and experience needed to effectively address your condition. If you are suffering from ALS, make an appointment with a qualified pain doctor to see if you are a good candidate for medical marijuana. Contact us today at one of our medical cannabis pain management clinics (located in Edina and Minneapolis) to set up your appointment with one of our skilled physicians.