Multiple Sclerosis

Medical Marijuana For Multiple Sclerosis

Are you or know of a loved one looking for alternative treatment methods to treat symptoms brought on by multiple sclerosis (MS)? Medical marijuana can help treat some of your symptoms, more specifically ease stiffness, ease muscle spasms and or ease sleep problems. If you or a loved one has exhausted all other treatment options, Cross Valley Health & Medicine practitioners are eager to help by possibly certifying you or your loved one for medical marijuana in New York State. Being based in Newburgh NY, Doctor Paul Saladino and Christian Plaza, FNP can see patients either in-person or virtually through telemedicine. Your medical marijuana certification process is one click away. *

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medical marijuana for Multiple Sclerosis

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system where the information between the brain and the body becomes disrupted. Depending on which nerves become damaged, some may lose the ability to speak, eat, or walk. Overall, many can experience weakness in one or more limbs, develop blurry vision or have an unsteady gait. 

The development of MS is currently unknown. The Mayo Clinic classified MS as "an  autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. In the case of MS, this immune system malfunction destroys the fatty substance that coats and protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord (myelin)." As MS continues to weaken the body, people may suffer from mental changes, depression, epilepsy or muscle stiffness. 

What are the typical treatments for my multiple sclerosis?

Due to the complexity that MS symptoms brings, it is currently not curable. Even though it is currently not curable, researchers have designed strategies that can modify or slow the disease course. 

Practitioners usually begin by prescribing medications in an attempt to manage one or more symptom of MS to increase quality of life. In combination with medication, the treatment plan may include forms of rehabilitation like physical, occupational , vocational, or speech therapies. The critical goal in most MS treatment plans is to improve the person's quality of life while keeping them as independent as possible. 

How can medical marijuana help with multiple sclerosis?

Medical marijuana takes the marijuana plant's chemicals and then the plant is grown and cultivated specifically to treat a variety of medical conditions. WebMD explained that "the marijuana plant contains more than 100 different chemicals called cannabinoids. Each one has a different effect on the body. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the main chemicals used in medicine. THC also produces the same "high" people feel when they smoke marijuana or eat foods containing it." Medical marijuana comes in many different forms such as dried leaves, edibles, oils, sprays, and creams.
 
Currently, medical marijuana has not been clinically proven to fully eliminate MS symptoms such as pain, balance, and spasticity. Medical marijuana does make for an effective alternative treatment method if the person is not responding to commonly performed  treatment plans. Medical marijuana works differently for everyone, so it may be worth a chat with your care team about the benefits of medical marijuana. 
 

Who is Cross Valley Health & Medicine?

Cross Valley Health & Medicine is a primary care practice located in Newburgh NY, allowing for both virtual and in-person appointments. The practice has two medical providers on staff, Doctor Paul Saladino who is dual board-certified in Addiction Medicine and Internal Medicine and a Christian Plaza, who is a family nurse practitioner. Both practitioners are eager to see new patients for the following programs: Substance Abuse Treatment, Behavioral Health Management, HIV/AIDS Care Management, Primary Care, Medical Marijuana Certifications, Medication-Assisted Treatment, STD/STI Care Management, and Weight Loss Management. If you are interested in becoming a patient of Cross Valley, please click here to access our online paperwork portal. Visit us online at www.crossvalleyhealth.com or give our office a call at 845-561-7075.

Get Your NY Medical Marijuana Card Today >

 

*Any information listed on this page is provided for medical educational purposes only, and shall not be taken as medical advice provided by Cross Valley Health & Medicine. Any medications listed on this page are also provided for medical educational purposes only, and the use of any of these mentioned medications should stem from consulting with your provider.