Editorial: The Gaslighting of Pain - A Hidden Crisis in Healthcare

Pain gaslighting from medical professionalsPhoto byAI produced

Chronic pain is one of the most debilitating conditions people can endure, yet for many, the healthcare system fails to adequately treat it. Instead of finding relief, patients often feel dismissed, unheard, or even blamed for their suffering in what is termed the "gaslighting of pain." Patients frequently cycle through treatments without success, leaving them desperate for alternatives such as marijuana products and cannabis-based topicals.

The Crisis of Pain Management

One of the main contributors to the crisis in chronic pain management is the growing reluctance of healthcare providers to prescribe pain medications, particularly opioids. Strict guidelines imposed to curb the opioid epidemic have made it harder for patients with severe pain to access appropriate treatments​ (Marijuana Doctors). Conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, and nerve damage often go inadequately treated, leading patients to seek other pain relief options.

Alternative Pain Treatments: THC, CBD, and Cannabis Topicals

With traditional options failing to meet their needs, many chronic pain patients are turning to alternative treatments like marijuana products. These include THC and CBD creams, which are gaining attention for their effectiveness in localized pain relief without the psychoactive effects of smoking or ingesting cannabis​ (THC Health). Cannabis topicals, such as creams, balms, and transdermal patches, interact with cannabinoid receptors in the skin, reducing inflammation, pain, and even skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis​ (Leafly).

For example, CBD creams provide anti-inflammatory properties and are often used to treat joint pain, muscle soreness, and skin conditions​ (THC Health). THC topicals, though more potent, provide similar benefits without the "high" associated with traditional cannabis use. This makes them suitable for patients seeking relief without the psychoactive effects​ (Lyphe Clinic). However, transdermal patches, which deliver cannabinoids into the bloodstream, may cause intoxication and could result in a positive drug test​ (Leafly).

The Legal Landscape

The legal status of cannabis topicals varies from state to state. While CBD products derived from hemp are legal across the U.S., THC-infused products are only available in states that have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use. This creates challenges for patients, especially those who rely on cannabis for pain relief but live in states where marijuana remains illegal​ (THC Health)​ (Leafly).

In addition, many healthcare providers require regular drug screenings, particularly for patients on long-term pain management plans. Even if the cannabis products are legally used, testing positive for THC can result in a patient being denied treatment​ (Marijuana Doctors)​ (Lyphe Clinic). This further complicates the efforts of chronic pain patients to manage their condition, as they are often caught between finding effective relief and maintaining access to their healthcare.

The Frustrating Cycle of Treatment

Patients often find themselves trapped in a cycle of hope and disappointment as they try various alternative treatments, including medical cannabis, physical therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Many eventually return to their original pain management departments without significant improvement​ (Leafly). This constant shifting between treatments, clinics, and specialists only exacerbates the psychological toll of living with chronic pain​ (Lyphe Clinic).

The Future of Pain Management

Addressing the gaslighting of pain and improving chronic pain management requires a shift in how both traditional and alternative treatments are perceived and integrated. As research into cannabis continues to expand, there is potential for cannabis-based topicals and other non-opioid treatments to play a larger role in pain management​ (THC Health)​ (Leafly). However, this requires changes in both legal frameworks and healthcare policies to prevent patients from being penalized for seeking relief from legal, effective treatments like medical marijuana​ (Lyphe Clinic).

Conclusion

The gaslighting of chronic pain patients by the healthcare system is a hidden crisis that leaves many untreated and desperate. While cannabis topicals and other alternative treatments show promise, significant barriers remain in terms of legality, acceptance by healthcare providers, and the risk of being excluded from treatment due to positive drug tests. It’s critical that the medical community begins to integrate these alternatives while respecting the needs of patients.

Why This Matters:
This issue underscores the need for systemic change in how chronic pain is managed. Legal, effective alternative treatments like cannabis topicals are hindered by regulations and a lack of acceptance in mainstream healthcare, leaving patients in a cycle of inadequate care and untreated pain.

Clarifications Needed:

1. How can healthcare providers balance drug screening policies with the legal use of cannabis topicals for chronic pain relief?
2. What further research is necessary to fully understand the role of cannabis topicals in pain management, particularly in addressing chronic conditions?

For more information on cannabis-based treatments, see (Leafly)ps://​ (Lyphe Clinic)ume/topicals) and THC health benefits.