Spinal cord injuries can result in damaging and often unbearable side effects for patients. Injuries in this area of the body often result in a change, either temporary or permanent, to healthy motor or sensory function.

A fragile plethora of nerves surround the spinal cord, all of which are vital to the human body’s healthy functioning. When these nerves are compromised, pain, spasticity, depression, and other side effects can occur, leaving the victim in constant need for medical treatment. In addition to neuropathic pain, spinal cord injury sufferers also experience physical, emotional, and societal issues including loss or impairment in motor movement, bowel and bladder function, digestion, and breathing.

In one survey, respondents expressed their dissatisfaction with analgesic medications. While opioids produced the greatest degree of pain relief, these medications were often discontinued because of side effects, primarily constipation. Although 44 of 117 (38%) respondents tried gabapentin, only 20 (17%) continued to use it, and their pain relief was only moderate. A majority of respondents eventually tried several alternative treatments. Interestingly, maximum relief was provided by massage or cannabis.