Conditions
Osteoporosis
Conditions
Osteoporosis
Description
Osteoporosis is "porous bones" where the density of the bones diminishes over time. Cells that destroy aged bone cells are normally offset by cells that form new bones of proper strength and density. In osteoporosis, more cells are destroyed than are created, and the bones are vulnerable to stress fractures. Hormone balances shift during menopause put women at risk, and patients who received steroids for chronic conditions. Treatment consists mainly of pharmaceuticals, some nutritional modification (minerals, vitamin D), and exercise.
Symptoms
- Asymptomatic, many don’t know until they have a bone density scan.
- Advancing age
- Shortened height
- Fractures that need screening
How Cannabis Can Help
Studies have demonstrated that endocannabinoids (eCBs) and cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) are expressed in bone and synovial tissues, playing important roles in bone metabolism. Preclinical studies using cannabis-based therapies in animal models have shown that cannabinoids (CBs) can alleviate the development of osteoarthritis (OA), prevent osteoporosis (OP), reduce cancer-induced osteolytic destruction, and improve fracture healing, highlighting the therapeutic potential of CBs for human bone diseases.
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Sources
National Library of Medicine, Components of the Endocannabinoid System and Effects of Cannabinoids Against Bone Diseases: A Mini-Review
CannaKeys, THC & CBD for Osteoporosis