Moderator: Jerome Schofferman, MD
Many if not most patients try self-help treatments including over the counter and other complementary remedies for spine pain. Medical cannabis, especially CBD, is all the rage. Special diets and/or nutritional supplements are also very popular. Some of the choices patients make are based only on the "evidence" that "they say it works." It is important that the spine practitioner know the potential benefits as well as the potential for harm of these remedies. We will explore the evidence and the role of medical cannabis and nutrition for pain management. We will suggest that some of the reasons these remedies work is based on placebo effect and other physiological phenomena. Additionally, we will offer some suggestions for approaching patient care when these issues arise.
Upon completion of this session, participants should gain strategies to:
- Appreciate some of the reasons patients feel better;
- Realize that the issue of medical cannabis is complicated;
- Be aware that there might be a role for anti-inflammatory diet and some safe supplements;
- Recognize that some self-help treatments have evidence for or against.
Agenda
Introduction
Jerome Schofferman, MD
Nutrition and Dietary Supplements for Pain
Carrie A. Diulus, MD
Medical Cannabis and Pain: The High Side
Jerome Schofferman, MD
Medical Cannabis and Pain: The Con Side
Jason Friedrich, MD
Other Self-help Treatments: Topicals, Yoga, Tai Chi, Mindfulness
Jerome Schofferman, MD
Discussion, Question and Answer
Faculty Panel